Hirsutism can be caused by which condition?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Cushing's syndrome
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Addison's disease

Answer: (B)

Hirsutism arises when there is more androgen activity than normal, leading to growth of hair in a male-pattern distribution on a female body. Cushing's syndrome can cause an increase in adrenal androgens due to excess ACTH stimulating the adrenal cortex, so that androgen levels rise and hirsutism can develop. The other conditions don’t typically cause this pattern of hair growth: diabetes mellitus isn’t a direct driver of increased androgens, hyperthyroidism commonly affects hair in other ways (often thinning rather than unwanted extra hair), and Addison's disease lowers adrenal hormones, which would not produce hirsutism. So the link between excess androgens and the appearance of hirsutism makes Cushing's syndrome the best match.