{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,27]],"date-time":"2026-08-27T03:28:22Z","timestamp":1787801302211,"version":"build-2784847793"},"reference-count":124,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"12","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,6,11]],"date-time":"2025-06-11T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1749600000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["IJMS"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Hirsutism, characterized by excessive terminal hair growth in androgen-sensitive areas, presents significant medical and psychosocial challenges in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This narrative review explores the epidemiology, endocrine factors, molecular basis of pathophysiology, cultural influences, and management approaches to hirsutism within the GCC. Regional factors such as consanguinity, rising obesity rates, and lifestyle habits contribute to a higher prevalence of hirsutism and related endocrine disorders, particularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cultural stigmas surrounding body hair further delay diagnosis and treatment, compounding psychological distress. The review examines the role of androgen excess, genetic susceptibility, and emerging molecular insights, including epigenetic dysregulations. Diagnostic limitations and the need for region-specific screening tools are discussed, alongside the current reliance on pharmacological, cosmetic, and traditional therapies. Public health initiatives targeting stigma reduction and early detection are emphasized. Future recommendations include culturally tailored research, enhanced public awareness, and the adoption of advanced diagnostic strategies to improve patient outcomes. This review aims to guide healthcare practices and inform policy development for the better management of hirsutism in the GCC context.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/ijms26125575","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,6,11]],"date-time":"2025-06-11T03:44:58Z","timestamp":1749613498000},"page":"5575","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":4,"title":["Exploring Hirsutism: Epidemiology, Associated Endocrinal Abnormalities, and Societal Challenges in GCC\u2014A Narrative Review"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"26","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-6948-3619","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Mohamed Anas","family":"Patni","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Community Medicine, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-1539-6162","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Rajani","family":"Dube","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9379-7447","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Subhranshu Sekhar","family":"Kar","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-5029-7779","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Biji Thomas","family":"George","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of General Surgery, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7195-6945","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Manjunatha Goud Bellary","family":"Kuruba","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Biochemistry, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-4127-3243","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Suresh Kumar","family":"Srinivasamurthy","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Pharmacology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-1424-501X","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Abdalla Ahmed Eldaw","family":"Elamin","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Anatomy, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,6,11]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"99","DOI":"10.47070\/ayushdhara.v9i5.1064","article-title":"A Clinical Approach to Hirsutism","volume":"9","author":"Lekshmi","year":"2022","journal-title":"AYUSHDHARA"},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"108","DOI":"10.1159\/000494907","article-title":"Endocrinology of Hirsutism: From Androgens to Androgen Excess Disorders","volume":"53","author":"Yilmaz","year":"2019","journal-title":"Front. Horm. Res."},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"86","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1365-2362.2011.02550.x","article-title":"Non Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Related Endocrine Disorders Associated with Hirsutism","volume":"42","author":"Unluhizarci","year":"2012","journal-title":"Eur. J. Clin. 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