Hirsuitism is seen in all except: September 2007, 2010
**Core Concept**
Hirsutism is a clinical condition characterized by excessive hair growth in women in a male pattern, particularly on the face, chest, and back. It is often associated with hyperandrogenism, which can be caused by a variety of factors including hormonal imbalances, genetic disorders, and certain medications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Hirsutism can be caused by an excess of androgens, such as testosterone, which is produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries, or testes. The increased androgen levels stimulate the growth of hair in a male pattern. Conditions that can lead to hirsutism include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and androgen-secreting tumors.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder that can cause an overproduction of androgens, leading to hirsutism. Therefore, this option is incorrect because CAH can indeed cause hirsutism.
**Option B:** Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by excess cortisol production, which can lead to hirsutism. This is because cortisol has androgenic properties and can stimulate hair growth. So, this option is incorrect because Cushing's syndrome can also cause hirsutism.
**Option C:** This option is correct because hypogonadism, which refers to low levels of sex hormones, is not typically associated with hirsutism. Hirsutism is more commonly seen in conditions with excess androgen levels, such as PCOS or CAH.
**Option D:** Acromegaly is a condition caused by excess growth hormone production, which can lead to an overproduction of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). While acromegaly can cause a variety of physical changes, it is not typically associated with hirsutism. Therefore, this option is incorrect because acromegaly is not a common cause of hirsutism.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that hirsutism is often associated with other symptoms such as acne, male pattern baldness, and irregular menstrual cycles. A thorough evaluation of these symptoms can help guide the diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions.
**Correct Answer: C. Hypogonadism.