RATE OF GROWTH OF AXILLARY HAIR AS A DIAGNOSTIC INDEX*

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Abstract
A method for quantitative determination of the rate of growth of axillary hair was developed, and applied to normal males, normal females, patients with a variety of endocrinopathies, patients receiving various kinds of hormonal therapy by systemic administration, and patients receiving androgens by local application. Among other observations, it was found that normal young adult males and females have essentially equal rates of growth of axillary hair. Female patients with Addison''s disease, receiving only desoxycorticosterone, have essentially zero axillary hair. Some of these patients had normal gonadal function. This indicates that in the female, the control of sex-linked hair is entirely a function of the adrenal cortex. Androgens administered locally or systemically accelerate the growth of axillary hatr.