HIRSUTISM: CLINICO-INVESTIGATIVE PROFILE OF 50 INDIAN PATIENTS

BACKGROUND: Despite worldwide prevalence of hirsutism studies on hirsutism in Indian patients are not many. AIMS: This retrospective study was carried out to assess the clinico-investigative profile of patients presenting with hirsutism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 82 hirsutism patients diagnosed consecutively during July 2005 to October 2007 were analyzed. RESULTS: The complete data of 50 patients aged between 13 and 47 years were available. Fifty percent patients were aged 20 to 30 years. The average F-G score was 10.3 ± 2.46. Associated signs of hyperandrogenism were acne (64%), oligomenorrhea or menstrual irregularities (36%), androgenetic alopecia (16%), acanthosis nigricans (6%) and seborrhea (4%). Polycystic ovaries were detected in 30% patients and 22% patients had elevated serum free testosterone levels. Family history of hirsutism was present in 18% patients. CONCLUSION: Hirsutism in Indian patients is not uncommon. Adolescent patients appear to be more concerned about hirsutism as compared to those in the older age group who were more often worried of late onset acne. All patients, however, were more concerned for facial hair than those on other body areas signifying that facial hair need to be given higher than current value in F-G score.