A 24-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician for the evaluation of an abnormal hair growth on her face. She is 161 cm (5 ft 3 in) tall and weighs 80 kg (176 lb); BMI is 31 kg/m2. Examination shows moderate obesity with mild hirsutism on the face and chest. The patient is initiated on a combination oral contraceptive. Which of the following describes the primary mechanism by which this agent reduces hirsutism?

Question

A 24-year-old nulligravid woman comes to the physician for the evaluation of an abnormal hair growth on her face. She is 161 cm (5 ft 3 in) tall and weighs 80 kg (176 lb); BMI is 31 kg/m2. Examination shows moderate obesity with mild hirsutism on the face and chest. The patient is initiated on a combination oral contraceptive.  Which of the following describes the primary mechanism by which this agent reduces hirsutism?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Male-pattern hair growth in a woman is called hirsutism; the most common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome.  Combination oral contraceptive pills can treat hirsutism by suppressing pituitary LH secretion and subsequently decreasing ovarian androgen production.

A 24-Year-Old Nulligravid Woman Comes to the Physician for the Evaluation