Question

Which of the following statements about definition of Hirsutism is correct?

• A. Hirsutism is excessive facial hair.
• B. Hirsutism is excessive distribution of facial and body hair in a female distribution pattern.
• C. Hirsutism is excessive distribution of facial and body hair in a male distribution pattern.
• D. Hirsutism is excessive distribution of body hair.

Hint:

The definition hinges on the word "pattern", not just the amount of hair.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question tests the exact medical definition of hirsutism, not just a general idea of "extra hair".

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Hirsutism is defined as growth of coarse, dark, terminal hair in a woman, in the same places where hair normally grows in a man, such as the upper lip, chin, chest, and lower abdomen. The key word is "male pattern", because it is androgen driven hair growth appearing in a female.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Saying hirsutism is only excessive facial hair is too narrow, since it also involves the chest, back, and lower abdomen.
Calling it excessive hair in a female pattern is wrong, because normal female pattern hair growth (scalp, eyebrows, underarms, and a fine covering over the limbs) does not count as hirsutism, no matter how much of it there is.
Calling it simply excessive body hair without mentioning the pattern misses the point, since generalized extra hair all over the body without a male pattern is called hypertrichosis, a different condition with different causes.
The distribution in a male pattern, driven by higher androgen activity in the skin, is what separates true hirsutism from normal hairiness or hypertrichosis.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Hirsutism means excessive facial and body hair growth in a male distribution pattern in a woman, option (C).