Hirsutism and Virilism

Abstract

Hirsutism is the term applied to a masculine pattern of hair growth. It may be due to constitutional factors and is particularly common in women of Mediterranean origin. It is manifested by increased hairiness of the chin, cheeks, and upper lip. The pubic hair appears masculine and may extend to the navel. There is usually a thick periareolar hair growth on the breasts, sometimes reaching beyond the sternum (Fig. 82). Excessive hair is also noted on the lower leg and forearm and occasionally on the thigh. Other signs of masculinization are absent; in particular, the voice and body contours remain feminine and there is no clitoral hypertrophy. True hirsutism is distinct from hypertrichosis, which is simply an excessive feminine hair growth.