Hirsutisme: een veelvoorkomend probleem

Excessive hair growth is a common and distressing complaint in women. It is imperative to differentiate excessive hair growth from hirsutism with possible other signs of virilization. Hirsutism is commonly attributed to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hirsutism with rapid onset or progression, potentially combined with other signs of virilisation or secondary amenorrhea, should prompt evaluation of other underlying causes. In this clinical lesson, we present three cases of hirsutism to illustrate red flags to consider rare diagnoses. Diagnoses include non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a testosterone-secreting Leydig-cell tumour and PCOS. Early recognition and diagnosis can improve quality of life and, in cases of malignancy, enhance survival outcomes.

Conflict of interest and financial support: potential conflicts of interest have been reported for this article. ICMJE forms provided by the authors are available online along with the full text of this article.