Hirsutism Evaluation Panel
Hirsutism, a common medical disorder, is characterized by excessive male pattern hair growth in areas such as the face, chest, shoulders, lower belly, inner thighs, and back in women.
This condition is often linked with hormonal imbalance, particularly elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) like testosterone, in underlying endocrine abnormalities such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Certain androgenic drugs, including minoxidil, phenytoin, interferon, and glucocorticosteroids, also contribute to hirsutism.
The Hirsutism Evaluation Panel comprises tests that measure the precise quantities of several hormones in the body, covering DHEA-S, Testosterone-Free, Testosterone-Total, Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. This comprehensive approach allows clinicians to provide targeted and personalized care for individuals with hirsutism.
What is Hirsutism Evaluation Panel Testing Used For?
A Hirsutism Evaluation Panel is used:
To identify the various causes of excessive hair growth in women
In individuals having a family history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and
Which Tests are Included in the Hirsutism Evaluation Panel Test?
The hirsutism evaluation panel includes hormonal testing to determine underlying hormonal abnormalities that influence the degree and course of hair growth in women. The tests include:
Androstenedione Testing:
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This test helps evaluate the adrenal gland production and function of ovaries in women and testosterone in men. The test also helps determine the reasons for male physical characteristics (virilization) in females or early puberty in boys.
17-AlphahydroxyProgesterone(17-OHP)Testing:
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This test measures how much 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone your adrenal glands make, allowing the doctors to screen infants for the genetic disorder of adrenal gland called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate (DHEA-S)Testing:
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This test measures DHEAS levels in the blood. DHEAS is an androgenic hormone that controls testosterone production in men and estrogen in women. It is used to determine whether your adrenal glands are functioning properly or what causes excessive body hair growth and the development of male characteristics in women and girls.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH) Testing:
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This test determines follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration in the blood to diagnose infertility, irregular or stopped menstrual periods, and other medical conditions that affect ovaries or testicles.
Luteinizing Hormone(LH)Testing:
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This test measures how much luteinizing hormone is present in the blood to help diagnose medical conditions like hirsutism, infertility, and ovulation problems in women.
Prolactin Testing:
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A prolactin levels test is used to diagnose tumors of the pituitary gland, helping clinicians to determine the cause of a woman's menstrual irregularities or infertility as well as a man's low sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
Free and total Testosterone Testing:
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This test is the most important assay in determining the concentration of both free and bound forms of testosterone in the blood to aid the diagnosis of hirsutism associated with adrenal or ovarian tumors
Symptoms of Hirsutism
A woman with hirsutism may experience the following symptoms:
Thick dark hair growth on the face, neck, belly, shoulder and back
Acne
Abnormal menstrual cycle
Decreased breast size
Masculine voice
Increased muscle mass
Enlarged clitoris
Residing hairline and balding
Preparation for Test
If you are a menstruating woman, consult your doctor about when to take the sample or if you need to fast before taking it.
Interpretation of Test Results
Interpretation of Hirsutism Panel as follows:
Positive result(Abnormal)
A positive report suggests an increased level of androgenic hormones in the blood of ovarian or adrenal origin. But to pinpoint the actual cause, further testing may be required.
Negative result(Normal)
This report is suggestive of normal functioning of the adrenal gland.
FAQs
How is the Hirsutism Evaluation Panel test performed?
The test requires a blood sample drawn from a visible vein in your arm. The process is quick and straightforward, with minimal discomfort.
What do the test results mean?
Typically, excessive testosterone, DHEA-S, or 17 Hydroxyprogesterone in the blood confirms the clinical diagnosis of hyperandrogenism, which is a significant contributor to hirsutism. Apart from this, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), marked by an elevated LH level to FSH, is also a significant cause of hirsutism.
What factors can influence the levels of the hormones tested in the Hirsutism Evaluation Panel?
Age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as adrenal or ovarian disorders can all have an impact on your test results.
Is it possible for men to undergo the Hirsutism Evaluation Panel test?
While men can also experience androgenic imbalance, this panel is explicitly tailored for assessing excessive hair growth in women owing to the overproduction of androgens.
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