ABSTRACT
Hirsutism describes excessive terminal hair with male distribution in a female (Figures 9.1, 9.2). Hirsutism is a common condition, affecting up to 10% of women. Prevalence of hirsutism is influenced by genetic and racial factors. It is frequent in Hispanic and Mediterranean women but rare in Asiatic and African women. Hirsutism may or not be associated with hyperandrogenism (Figure 9.3) and/or with acne and androgenetic alopecia. Idiopathic hirsutism accounts for about 15% of cases (Figure 9.4).
