www.TiomicoTrahanFamilyCare.com

Through our many years of medical expertise, we
have come to know several very important things.
The concept to patient care is "Care". We strive to
provide the best possible opportunities and
alternatives in regards to Western and Asian
Medicine. Philosophies of caring for the "Whole
Person" is much stronger ground in medicine. The
body has to work with the mind, and add in a lot of
spirit. Okay, maybe not that simple, but the message
is important. You cannot have one without the other.

We strongly believe in this approach to medicine. It
has worked with us for many years and many
peoples lives have been saved by simple approaches
to caring for them. The ability to listen, work
together with families, and gaining your trust through
strong knowledge and professional ethics.

by Maria Gina Tiomico-Trahan, M.D.

If men are embarrassed about talking to their doctor,
friend or spouse regarding their hair loss or sexual
dysfunction, women are the same way. The only
difference is the problem is having more hair (on the
wrong places).

Hirsutism is a condition whereby presence of coarse,
thick hair is/are noted in the “male distribution body
areas” like the chin, face, neck, chest, surrounding the
nipple area, abdomen, shoulders, buttocks and lower
back. Some women have accepted this non-feminine
growth as “part of the aging process”. However, even
girls going through puberty may have them. Majority,
just seek professional cosmetic assistance or course
through the “home shopping network” and get a quick
fix gadget ranging from $9.99 to $99.99 to get rid of
them. A few would take time to set up an appointment
with their doctor and seek medical answers. So, where
do you belong?

In reality, this is a common medical condition affecting
approximately 7% of women in their reproductive
years. Hirsutism results from elevated levels of
circulating “male hormone” called androgen or from
increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to normal
androgen levels. This condition usually is manifested
with other issues like acne, menstrual irregularities,
infertility and weight gain. Overall, it may be a result of
a benign condition (non-cancerous) or a more severe
form of medical condition.

Although, hirsutism is usually not life-threatening, when
left undiagnosed, may produce poor quality of life,
depression, low-self esteem and avoidance of social
situations.

Some of the causes of Hirsutism are the following:
* PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
* Ovarian or adrenal gland tumors
* Cushing’s Syndrome
      (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia)
* Hyperprolactemenia
      (due to a Pituitary gland tumor or
       medication-induced)
* Insulin resistance (e.g. Syndrome X – high
       cholesterol, obesity, High Blood
       Pressure and high blood sugar)

A comprehensive battery of laboratory tests including
thyroid, lipids, metabolic panel, DHEA level,
testosterone, estrogen, a 2- hour Glucose Tolerance
Test, Prolactin level as well as kidney and ovarian
ultrasound's are important in the diagnosis.

If you have any doubts, talk to your doctor and find
some answers. It is always better to know and be able
to do something about it that live in the dark and not live
your life to the fullest.