If a hirsute patient requires a referral, which type of specialist should they see?

A hirsute patient may experience excessive hair growth due to various underlying factors, one of which could be hormonal imbalances typically associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine disorders. An endocrinologist specializes in the diagnosis and management of disorders related to hormones and the endocrine system, making them the most appropriate specialist to address the potential hormonal causes of hirsutism.

This specialist would be able to perform the necessary tests to understand the hormonal profile of the patient and determine if there are any abnormalities contributing to the excessive hair growth. While dermatologists are skilled in dealing with skin-related issues, including hair growth problems, they may focus more on the cosmetic aspects rather than the underlying hormonal causes. Gynecologists typically handle women's reproductive health, and while they can address some aspects of hirsutism related to gynecological concerns, they may not have the same depth of expertise in hormonal issues as an endocrinologist. Nutritionists primarily focus on dietary and nutritional guidance, which, although important for overall health, does not directly address the hormonal imbalances that often accompany hirsutism. Therefore, referring a hirsute patient to an endocrinologist is the best course of action for comprehensive evaluation and