Differential Diagnosis for Disease with Abnormal Hair Growth
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Hirsutism: This condition is characterized by excessive hair growth in women, particularly in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. It's often associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly androgen excess.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypertrichosis: A condition marked by an excessive amount of hair growth over the body. It can be congenital or acquired and may be generalized or localized.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, often presenting with irregular periods, infertility, and excess hair growth due to high levels of androgens.
- Cushing's Syndrome: A condition caused by having too much of the hormone cortisol in the body, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including excessive hair growth, among others like weight gain and high blood pressure.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to changes in hair growth patterns. Hypothyroidism may cause hair loss, while hyperthyroidism can sometimes lead to finer, softer hair or changes in hair texture and growth.
- Adrenal Gland Tumors: Certain tumors of the adrenal gland can produce excess androgens, leading to virilization and excessive hair growth in women.
- Pituitary Tumors: Tumors affecting the pituitary gland can disrupt hormone production, potentially leading to conditions like acromegaly, which may include excessive hair growth among its symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa: A rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive growth of lanugo hair (fine, soft hair) all over the body.
- Stomatological Disorders: Certain rare conditions affecting the oral cavity can have systemic manifestations, including changes in hair growth patterns, though these are exceedingly rare and usually part of a broader syndrome.
- Neurofibromatosis: A genetic disorder that can cause changes in skin coloring and the growth of tumors along nerves, and in some cases, may be associated with abnormal hair growth patterns.