Maria Palmetun Ekbäck
Orebro University Hospital, Sweden
Title: What do we know about quality of life in women with hirsutism?
Biography
Biography: Maria Palmetun Ekbäck
Abstract
Hirsutism is a common sign of hyperandrogenism. The prevalence of hirsutism is estimated to 5%, where PCOS is the most common cause and is estimated to be responsible for 70% of hirsutism. Excessive hair growth has been found to be the second most seriously negative rated factor after infertility in women with PCOS. To live with hirsutism means to live with a life sorrow. Quality of life is depressed, measured with EQ-5D, EQ-VAS, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and SF-36. Women with hirsutism report lower vitality level than patients with the neurological diseases myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis, and low self-reported health status with SF-36. Higher levels of hair growth are significantly correlated to lower level of QoL and symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Good perceived social support seems to be associated with better quality of life. Informative support is one kind of social support. Healthcare should assist with informative support, i.e. information about the diagnosis and treatment options. Lasers or IPL for hair removal give long lasting effect and improves Qol.