Lamees Mahmood Malik, Khawar Khursheed, Tahir Saeed Haroon, Mahmood Ali Malik.
An aetiological study of moderate to severe hirsutism.
Pak J Med Sci Jan ;23(2):167-71.

Objective: Hirsutism is a common disorder of females. Most cases are idiopathic, however some studies claim polycystic ovarian syndrome to be the commonest cause. TheObjective of the present study was to evaluate the etiology of moderate to severe hirsutism and to devise a rational diagnostic approach in these patients depending upon age, severity of the problem and other clinical findings. Methodology: Seventy four consecutive patients with moderate to severe hirsutism (i.e. Ferriman and Gallwey score of 7 and above) were enrolled and recorded on a standard Proforma. All patients were assessed clinically with particular emphasis on signs and symptoms of virilisation. Hormonal investigation as well as abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography for adrenals and ovaries was done in all patients. Results: Of the 74 patients 35 (47.3 %) were labeled as idiopathic hirsutism, while 33 (44.6%) were diagnosed as polycystic ovary syndrome. Other causes identified were hypothyroidism (4%), Cushing’s syndrome (2.7%) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (1.3%). Majority of patients belonged to the age group 21-25 years. Conclusion: The commonest cause of hirsutism in our study was idiopathic (47.3%). This was followed by PCOS which accounted for 44.6% of patients.

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