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Hirsutism: A Clinico-investigative Study.
Sunny Chhabra1, Ram Krishnan Gautam, Bindu Kulshreshtha
1Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy, Dr. RML Hospital and PGIMER, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi, India.
International Journal of Trichology
|June 15, 2013
Summary
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the primary cause of hirsutism in Indian women. Study found a direct link between hirsutism severity and elevated free testosterone levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hirsutism, characterized by excess terminal hair growth in androgen-dependent areas, affects a significant global population.
- Despite its prevalence, research on hirsutism etiology in India remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of hirsutism in Indian patients.
- To correlate hirsutism severity with its underlying etiology and hormonal profiles.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 40 hirsutism patients and 40 age-matched controls.
- Clinical assessment, transabdominal ultrasonography, and comprehensive hormonal assays including testosterone, DHEA-S, and thyroid function tests.
- Evaluation of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels.
Main Results:
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) identified as the cause in 70% of cases.
- Other causes included idiopathic hirsutism (15%), non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (7.5%), and hypothyroidism (7.5%).
- Hirsutism severity positively correlated with free testosterone levels; common associated features were acne, menstrual irregularities, acanthosis nigricans, obesity, and androgenetic alopecia.
Conclusions:
- PCOS is the predominant cause of hirsutism in the studied Indian population.
- Increased free testosterone levels are associated with greater hirsutism severity.
- Further research is needed to understand the specificities of hirsutism in the Indian context.
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