Laser Technician (International Board of Electrologist Certification) IBEC Board Exam

How is idiopathic hirsutism defined?

1. Hirsutism resulting from medication

2. Hirsutism with an identifiable cause

3. Hirsutism with no identifiable cause

4. Hirsutism due to hormonal imbalance

The correct answer is: Hirsutism with no identifiable cause

Idiopathic hirsutism is characterized by excessive hair growth in women in locations where men typically grow hair, and the key feature of this condition is the absence of a clear identifiable cause. This means that despite extensive investigation and testing, the condition cannot be linked to hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, adrenal or ovarian disorders, or medication effects. This condition often poses a challenge for practitioners, as it requires differentiation from other forms of hirsutism that might be associated with defined medical issues. Such diagnostics are essential, as treating hirsutism arising from specific conditions usually involves addressing the underlying causes, whereas idiopathic hirsutism necessitates symptomatic management due to its unclear origins. The options regarding medication and identifiable causes do not apply, as those suggest specific etiologies that, by definition, do not exist in idiopathic hirsutism. Similarly, while hormonal imbalances may lead to hirsutism in certain cases, idiopathic hirsutism specifically denotes that the hair growth occurs without any discernible hormonal or medical cause.