Do polycystic ovaries cause excess body hair - hirsutism?

PCOS is one of the more common reasons for women becoming hirsute. The biochemical changes associated with PCOS include increased levels of testosterone and reduced levels of SHBG which may result in increased male pattern hair distribution particularly on the moustache and beard areas of the face, the chest, back and lower abdomen. This may respond to medical treatment (hirsutism treatment).

Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-

• Polycystic ovary syndrome: An endocrine and metabolic disease. (2001). 

See Also:

PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

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