What surgical procedures are available for my hirsutism?

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The commonest cause of hirsutism is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has been known for sixty years that removing part of these ovaries surgically (wedge resection) can restore normal ovarian function. More recently, ovarian drilling puncturing small holes are in the surface of the ovaries at laparoscopy (laparoscopy) by cautery, diathermy or laser vaporisation has become possible. Ovarian drilling has had a definite part to play in infertility associated with PCOS usually when medical treatment has been unsuccessful. We must always consider the risks and benefits of treatment (surgery risks). There are risks associated with laparoscopic ovarian drilling and essentially we are treating a cosmetic problem. So far surgical treatment for hirsutism associated with PCOS does not seem to have been fully evaluated. It will be a while before the recently introduced metformin treatment will have been compared to ovarian drilling.

Hormone secreting tumours of the ovaries and adrenal glands are rare. If such a tumour is detected, surgical removal is required. 

Laser therapy directly to the hair follicles was initially thought likely to provide long-term results⁹⁷⁰¹ but it has not lived up to its early expectations.⁰⁶⁰¹

Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-

• Laser and photoepilation for unwanted hair growth. (2006-01)
• Is ovarian surgery effective for androgenic symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome? (2003-01)
• Long term follow-up of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome after laparoscopic ovarian drilling: clinical outcome. (2002-01)
• Laser-assisted hair removal. (1997-01)  

Please click on the required question.

• 1  What is hirsutism?
• 2 What is virilism?
• 3 What makes a hair?
• 4 I think that I have an excess of body hair. Is this a common complaint?
• 5 How can the severity of hirsutism be evaluated?
• 6 What are the effects of increased androgen levels on the skin and hair?
• 7 What are the effects of increased androgen levels in women?
• 8 What are the sources of androgen dependent hirsutism?
• 9 How can the cause of my hirsutism or virilism be determined?
• 10 Is it always possible to determine the cause of hirsutism?
• 11 What cosmetic treatments are available to treat my hirsutism?
• 12 If I lose weight, would my hirsutism improve?
• 13 What medical treatments are available for my hirsutism?
• 14 How could a combined oral contraceptive pill reduce my hirsutism. Information?
• 15 What is cyproterone acetate?
• 16 What surgical treatments are available for my hirsutism and virilism?
• 17 Support Groups.

  See Also:

  Hirsutism

  Alopecia
  

  
  
  

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  This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.

  I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.