Excess hair growth

Question 1

Why do hairs grow?

Answer 1

Most excess hair growth is due to a combination of excess androgens and a presence of an enzyme n the hair follicle that makes it sensitive to the circulating androgens in the blood stream.

Question 2

What is superfluous hair growth?

Answer 2

Excessive

Question 3

What is hirsuitism?

Answer 3

Masculine pattern of hair growth in women. Primary occurs at puberty and develops as a response to androgens in blood stream. Secondary in adulthood due to endocrine disorder.

Question 4

What is hypertrichosis?

Answer 4

Generalised overgrowth of hairs all over the body of either males or females. Genetic or racial.

Question 5

What is congenital hair growth?

Answer 5

Inherited. Sensitivity to androgens.

Question 6

What is topical hair growth?

Answer 6

Due to stimulation or friction, Stimulation of blood supply results in the hair receiving more nourishment, which allows it to grown deeper and coarser, also a protection mechanism. examples - tweezing, shaving, x-rays, plaster casts.

Question 7

What is systemic hair growth?

Answer 7

Normal hormonal changes - puberty, pregnancy, menopause, long term stress, medication.
Abnormal hormonal changes - adrenal tumours common in 30-40 age group. Stein-leventhal sydrome - polycystic ovaries. Acromagaly - hypersecretion of growth hormone. Cushings syndrome- increased levels of ACTH lead to an excess of androgens