Hirsutism: From 4 Different Sources
Presence of hair in areas where it is not usually found and excessive growth. Due to excess of the male hormone, testosterone in the blood. More common in women. Women smokers face threat of hirsutism. Ovarian cyst is often a forerunner of hirsutism, as also is hormone imbalance. Alternatives. Agnus Castus, (tea, tablets or tincture). Evening Primrose oil capsules: 500mg thrice daily.
Red Clover tea. (Walter Thompson, MNIMH)
Vitamin E capsules: 400iu thrice daily. Vitamin A-rich foods. Zinc supplement.
Excessive hairiness, particularly in women. The additional hair is coarse and grows in a male pattern on the face, trunk, and limbs. Hirsutism is a symptom of certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (see ovary, polycystic) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, in which the level of male hormones in the blood is abnormally high. Hirsutism can also be a result of taking anabolic steroids (see steroids, anabolic). More commonly, however, hirsutism is not a sign of any disorder; it occurs in many normal women, especially after the menopause. (See also hypertrichosis.)
The growth of hair of the male type and distribution in women. It is due either to the excess production of androgens (see ANDROGEN), or to undue sensitivity of the hair follicle to normal female levels of circulating androgens. The latter is called idiopathic hirsutism, because the cause is unknown. The increased production of androgens in the female may come from the ovary (see OVARIES) and be due to POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME or an ovarian tumour, or the excess androgen may come from the adrenal cortex (see ADRENAL GLANDS) and be the result of congenital adrenal HYPERPLASIA, an adrenal tumour or CUSHING’S SYNDROME. However, there is a wide range of normality in the distribution of female body hair. It varies with di?erent racial groups: the Mediterranean races have more body hair than Nordic women, and the Chinese and Japanese have little body hair. It is not abnormal for many women, especially those with dark hair, to have hair apparent on the upper lip, and a few coarse hairs on the chin and around the nipples are not uncommon. Extension of the pubic hair towards the umbilicus is also frequently found. Dark hair is much more apparent than fair hair, and this is why bleaching is of considerable bene?t in the management of hirsutism.
The treatment of hirsutism is that of the primary cause. Idiopathic hirsutism must be managed by simple measures such as bleaching the hair and the use of depilatory waxes and creams. Coarse facial hairs can be removed by electrolysis, although this is time-consuming. Shaving is often the most e?ective remedy and neither increases the rate of hair growth nor causes the hairs to become coarser.
n. the presence of coarse pigmented hair on the face, chest, upper back, or abdomen in a female as a result of *hyperandrogenism (excessive production of androgen). See also virilization.
The generic term for the group of hormones produced by the ADRENAL GLANDS, with a profound e?ect on mineral and glucose metabolism.
Many modi?cations have been devised of the basic steroid molecule in an attempt to keep useful therapeutic effects and minimise unwanted side-effects. The main corticosteroid hormones currently available are CORTISONE, HYDROCORTISONE, PREDNISONE, PREDNISOLONE, methyl prednisolone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, paramethasone and de?azacort.
They are used clinically in three quite distinct circumstances. First they constitute replacement therapy where a patient is unable to produce their own steroids – for example, in adrenocortical insu?ciency or hypopituitarism. In this situation the dose is physiological – namely, the equivalent of the normal adrenal output under similar circumstances – and is not associated with any side-effects. Secondly, steroids are used to depress activity of the adrenal cortex in conditions where this is abnormally high or where the adrenal cortex is producing abnormal hormones, as occurs in some hirsute women.
The third application for corticosteroids is in suppressing the manifestations of disease in a wide variety of in?ammatory and allergic conditions, and in reducing antibody production in a number of AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS. The in?ammatory reaction is normally part of the body’s defence mechanism and is to be encouraged rather than inhibited. However, in the case of those diseases in which the body’s reaction is disproportionate to the o?ending agent, such that it causes unpleasant symptoms or frank illness, the steroid hormones can inhibit this undesirable response. Although the underlying condition is not cured as a result, it may resolve spontaneously. When corticosteroids are used for their anti-in?ammatory properties, the dose is pharmacological; that is, higher – often much higher – than the normal physiological requirement. Indeed, the necessary dose may exceed the normal maximum output of the healthy adrenal gland, which is about 250–300 mg cortisol per day. When doses of this order are used there are inevitable risks and side-effects: a drug-induced CUSHING’S SYNDROME will result.
Corticosteroid treatment of short duration, as in angioneurotic OEDEMA of the larynx or other allergic crises, may at the same time be life-saving and without signi?cant risk (see URTICARIA). Prolonged therapy of such connective-tissue disorders, such as POLYARTERITIS NODOSA with its attendant hazards, is generally accepted because there are no other agents of therapeutic value. Similarly the absence of alternative medical treatment for such conditions as autoimmune haemolytic ANAEMIA establishes steroid therapy as the treatment of choice which few would dispute. The use of steroids in such chronic conditions as RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, ASTHMA and DERMATITIS needs careful assessment and monitoring.
Although there is a risk of ill-effects, these should be set against the misery and danger of unrelieved chronic asthma or the incapacity, frustration and psychological trauma of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients should carry cards giving details of their dosage and possible complications.
The incidence and severity of side-effects are related to the dose and duration of treatment. Prolonged daily treatment with 15 mg of prednisolone, or more, will cause hypercortisonism; less than 10 mg prednisolone a day may be tolerated by most patients inde?nitely. Inhaled steroids rarely produce any ill-e?ect apart from a propensity to oral thrush (CANDIDA infection) unless given in excessive doses.
General side-effects may include weight gain, fat distribution of the cushingoid type, ACNE and HIRSUTISM, AMENORRHOEA, striae and increased bruising tendency. The more serious complications which can occur during long-term treatment include HYPERTENSION, oedema, DIABETES MELLITUS, psychosis, infection, DYSPEPSIA and peptic ulceration, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, adrenal suppression, osteoporosis (see BONE, DISORDERS OF), myopathy (see MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF), sodium retention and potassium depletion.... corticosteroids
An antiandrogen. It inhibits the effects of androgens (see ANDROGEN) at receptor level and is therefore useful in the treatment of prostate cancer (see PROSTATE, DISEASES OF), ACNE, HIRSUTISM in women and in the treatment of severe hypersexuality and sexual deviation in men. The drug can have serious side-effects. (See OESTROGENS.)... cyproterone acetate
A condition characterised by underactivity of the testes (see TESTICLE) or OVARIES – the gonads. The condition may be caused by a genetically based disorder resulting in an abnormally functioning gonad (primary hypogonadism) or by a malfunctioning PITUITARY GLAND that fails to produce an adequate amount of gonadotrophin hormone (see GONADOTROPHINS) – secondary hypogonadism. Those affected may fail to develop adequately the secondary characteristics of their sex: males will have delayed puberty, erectile impotence and infertility and also develop GYNAECOMASTIA; females also have delayed puberty, infertility, and sometimes HIRSUTISM.... hypogonadism
The masculinisation of women suffering from excessive production of the male hormone ANDROGEN. The person develops temporal balding, a male body shape, increased muscular bulk, deepening of the voice, an enlarged CLITORIS and HIRSUTISM. Virilisation may also occur in women who take synthetic androgens, a practice sometimes used (illegally) to increase physical strength and endurance in sport.... virilisation
Oöphoritis (infection of the ovaries) rarely occurs alone, except in viral infections such as mumps. Usually it is associated with infection of the FALLOPIAN TUBES (SALPINGITIS). It may occur as a complication of a miscarriage, a therapeutic abortion, or the birth of a baby. Cases not associated with pregnancy typically result from sexual activity: the most common organisms involved are Chlamydia, E. coli, and Neisseria gonorrhoea. Cervical swabs should be sent for culture and analgesics given, together with the appropriate antibiotics.
Failure of OVULATION is the cause of INFERTILITY in around a third of couples seeking help with conception. It may also lead to menstrual problems (see MENSTRUATION), such as an irregular menstrual cycle or MENORRHAGIA. An uncommon cause of failure of ovulation is POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME, often associated with acne, hirsutism, and obesity. Treatment depends on the symptoms. Early ovarian failure is the cause of premature MENOPAUSE. Treatment consists of hormone replacement therapy using a combination of oestrogen and progestogen.
Ovarian cysts (for example, follicular cysts) result from ovulation. They may be symptomless but sometimes cause abdominal pain, pain during intercourse or disturbances in menstruation. Twisting or rupture can cause severe pain, pyrexia (fever) and nausea, and explorative surgery – endoscopic laparotomy – may be needed to establish a diagnosis (symptoms of ECTOPIC PREGNANCY are similar). The ovary may have to be removed. Simple cysts often disappear of their own accord but a large cyst can cause pressure on surrounding structures and therefore should be surgically removed.
In young women the most common benign tumour is a dermoid cyst, while in older women, ?broma (see under UTERUS, DISEASES OF) is more common. All benign tumours should be removed surgically in order to be sure they are not malignant.
Malignant tumours may be primary (arising in the ovary) or secondary (metastases from a cancer developing in another organ). Treatment depends upon the site and type of the primary tumour.
Around 5,000 women a year are diagnosed as having ovarian cancer in England and Wales. Unfortunately it is not readily detected in its early stages; around 85 per cent of women do not see a doctor until after the tumour has spread. Early tumours present with symptoms similar to benign tumours, while late ones present with abdominal distension, pain and vague gastrointestinal symptoms. The disease is most common in menopausal women. Earlier diagnosis and treatment can be achieved by ULTRASOUND screening. Treatment is surgical, aimed at totally removing the tumour mass. Nowadays RADIOTHERAPY is only used for palliation. CHEMOTHERAPY is often given to patients with ovarian metastases, or who have residual disease after surgery. The most active cytotoxic agent is the taxane, PACLITAXEL – especially when it is combined with cisplatin.... ovaries, diseases of
A chemical hair remover, such as barium sulphide, used in the form of a cream or paste for cosmetic reasons and to treat hirsutism.... depilatory
See hirsutism; hypertrichosis.... hairiness, excessive
(cyproterone acetate) n. a steroid drug that inhibits the effects of male sex hormones (see anti-androgen). It is used to treat hypersexuality disorders and advanced prostate cancer in men; combined with ethinylestradiol as co-cyprindiol, it is used to treat acne and hirsutism in women. Common side-effects include tiredness, loss of strength, inhibition of sperm formation, infertility, and breast enlargement (gynaecomastia). Because of a risk of liver damage, liver function tests should be carried out before and during treatment.... cyproterone
n. excessive secretion of androgen in women. It is associated with *hirsutism, acne, sparse or infrequent menstruation (oligomenorrhoea), absent or infrequent ovulation, infertility, endometrial *hyperplasia, *hyperlipidaemia, *hyperglycaemia, and hypertension; all these conditions may be the result of mutations in specific genes. See also virilization.... hyperandrogenism
Spearmint Tea is best known for treating excessive body hair or hirsutism, but its benefits involve other areas too. Spearmint looks a lot like peppermint: it has dark green leaves and pale purple flowers. It grows almost everywhere around the worlds and it’s used not only as a medicinal plant, but also as an important ingredient of the international cuisine. Its leaves, flowers and roots are not poisonous, so feel free to use any parts you like.
Spearmint tea is probably the most popular tea in the world, not only for its health benefits, but also for its wonderful taste and strong fragrance.
Properties of Spearmint Tea
Spearmint Tea is not just some randomly boiled water: it contains vitamins and minerals, it’s rich in potassium, niacin, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and manganese. And the good news is that it’s caffeine free and low in calories, which makes Spearmint Tea a great help in any type of diet.
Spearmint Tea Benefits
Spearmint Tea is a great remedy for gastrointestinal problems, hirsutism, asthma, digestion, cold and flu. If you suffer from irritable bowel, the soothing properties of this tea may come in hand. Also, the oil made from Spearmint could help with other stomach problems or digestive system conditions. Thanks to its strong fragrance, Spearmint tea can calm your throat pain and clear your stuffy nose at the same time. Also, the rosmarinic acid found in spearmint is used in asthma treatments, giving patients relief by blocking the production of proinflammatory substances (leukotrienes). Spearmint Tea also cures nausea, helps with digestion and treats acne, stomach ache and morning sickness during pregnancy.
How to prepare Spearmint Tea
First, you need Spearmint leaves or flowers. It doesn’t matter which or if you’re combining them when you’re making Spearmint Tea. Few people like to use the roots, even if the benefits are the same, except for the fact that these have a milder fragrance. You can either boil them for 10-15 minutes depending on the amount of water or make an infusion. Drink as much Spearmint tea as you want, but not more than 6 cups per day.
Spearmint Tea Side Effects
Spearmint Tea side effects are almost nonexistent; many people who give up coffee use it as a very convenient substitute. However, drinking too much Spearmint Tea may cause diarrhea. Other than that, feel free to try it anytime you want. If you’re thinking about giving up on drinking coffee or you just have a cold, Spearmint Tea is your answer!
Spearmint Tea in Cosmetic Treatment
Spearmint Tea has been used since ancient times as a face cleanser and its volatile substances have always been at the pick of the cosmetic industry. Even if you are buying the spearmint from the market or pick the leaves from your garden, a Spearmint Tea infusion will open your pores and make your face look healthy and shiny. You don’t need to choose between this or that product when it comes to beauty: give Spearmint Tea a chance and embrace the organic benefits of this wonderful herb!
So, if you’re thinking about giving up on drinking coffee or you just have a cold, Spearmint Tea and its wonderful benefits should not be ignored. Give it a try next time you are looking for natural health remedies!... spearmint tea wonderful benefits
n. an *anticonvulsant drug used to control tonic–clonic and partial epileptic seizures and status epilepticus. Side-effects include nausea and vomiting, confusion, dizziness, headache, tremor, insomnia, and (more rarely) gum hypertrophy, hirsutism, and skin rashes. Overdosage causes unsteadiness and slurred speech.... phenytoin
a syndrome, mostly reported in Japanese males, consisting of polyneuropathy (see peripheral neuropathy), organomegaly, endocrine failure, M protein (immunoglobulins) in the plasma, and skin changes, such as thickening, hirsutism, or excess sweating. Each of the components occurs with varying consistency. The cause is not known but it is not thought to be autoimmune in nature.... poems syndrome
n. the most extreme result of excessive androgen production (*hyperandrogenism) in women. It is characterized by temporal balding, a male body form, muscle bulk, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, and *hirsutism. Virilization in prepubertal boys may be caused by some tumours (see Leydig tumour).... virilization
n. 1. the study of male infertility and erectile dysfunction. *Seminal analysis reveals the presence of gross abnormalities in the shape and motility of spermatozoa, as well as their concentration in the semen, but further procedures are required to diagnose the underlying causes of the sperm dysfunction. These include the diagnosis of abnormalities in the genital tract (e.g. varicocele, obstruction of the vas deferens), which may be corrected surgically, and testing for the presence of antisperm antibodies in the semen and for the ability of the sperm to penetrate the cervical mucus, as well as for the presence of hormonal disorders. More sophisticated techniques include computer-assisted quantitative motility measurements, which monitor the precise speed and motility patterns of individual sperm; biochemical tests for the production of free oxygen radicals, which cause damage to developing sperm; and *acrosome-reaction assays, which reveal the ability of the sperm to penetrate the barriers surrounding the ovum. The development of all these techniques has enabled the identification of several previously undiagnosed causes of infertility and the selection of treatments most likely to succeed in remedying them. 2. the study of androgen production and the relationship of plasma androgen to androgen action. This study is necessary to understand *hirsutism and other conditions caused by abnormal androgen production.... andrology
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