hirsutism
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A medical condition characterized by excessive growth of hair, typically in a pattern more typical of male hair growth (androgen-dependent), occurring in women or sometimes in men. It refers to the abnormal amount of hair on areas of the body where hair is usually minimal or absent.
Usage
"Hirsutism" is a formal, medical term. It is used specifically to describe a clinical sign, often associated with hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is not used for normal hairiness.
Examples
- The doctor diagnosed her with hirsutism, which was linked to her polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Hirsutism can be a source of significant psychological distress for affected women.
- Treatment for hirsutism may include hormonal therapy and hair removal techniques.
Advanced Usage
- Idiomatic/Figurative Use: The term is almost exclusively used in its literal, medical sense. It is not commonly used figuratively.
Variants and Related Words
- Hirsute (adjective): Covered with hair; hairy. This is the related adjective form.
- He had a notably hirsute chest.
Synonyms
- Hypertrichosis (Note: In strict medical terminology, "hypertrichosis" refers to excessive hair growth on the body, which can be generalized or localized and is not necessarily androgen-dependent, while "hirsutism" is specifically male-pattern hair growth in women.)
Antonyms
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Glabrousness (the state of being smooth and hairless)
Notes on Meaning
The core meaning of "hirsutism" is pathological, excessive hair growth. It is distinct from simply being "hairy," as it implies a deviation from the norm for the individual's age, sex, and ethnicity, often due to an underlying endocrine cause.