Hirsutism in Kashmir: An etiological study

BACKGROUND: Hirsutism refers to the presence of terminal hairs at the body sites under androgenic control. Various factors, including genetic makeup and hormonal status, influence the rate and pattern of hair growth at these sites. PURPOSE: To study the pattern of hirsutism in Kashmir. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty five consecutive patients of hirsutism were included in the study. After detailed history taking, physical examination and relevant investigations, scoring of hirsutism was done using the Ferriman Gallwey (FG) scoring system. FINDINGS: The FG score ranged from 10-34. Twenty patients had associated menstrual abnormalities. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was diagnosed in four patients, hypothyroidism in two and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in one. The rest of the patients had idiopathic hirsutism. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic hirsutism was the most common category, whilst PCOS, hypothyroidism and CAH were also seen.