Abstract

Hair loss known as alopecia is a major reason for the distress of patients. Patients may present with focal patches of hair loss or more diffuse hair loss, which may include predominant hair thinning or increased hair shedding. On the counterpart, hirsutism is a disorder of excess growth of terminal hairs in androgen-dependent areas in women. Hirsutism, derived from the Latin word “hisutus” means shaggy, rough and bristly, is a common disorder, affecting women. In this review article we discuss about the causes, treatment and prevention of hair loss and hirsutism.

Keywords: Alopecia; Hirsutism; Androgenisation; Trichotillomania; Hyperprolactinaemia