New treatments of hyperandrogenism and hirsutism.

Approximately 5% to 8% of the female population demonstrates some form of hirsutism, the presence of prominent facial and body hair caused by excessive androgen effect. Treatment methods are classified into three categories: (1) hormonal suppression consisting of medical therapy to decrease androgen production, (2) the administration of antiandrogens to block the androgen effect at the hair follicle, and (3) physical methods of hair removal. Most patients require a combination of medical and physical therapy.