ESPE Abstracts

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of hirsutism among adolescents using the modified Ferriman-Gallway (FG) Scale and to determine etiological factors in childen with hirsutism.

Materials and methods: The study was in 2380 female adolescents aged 12–18 years. The modified FG score was used in the diagnosis and monitoring of hirsutism. Scores of 8 or above were regarded as hirsutism. Two hundred thirty-three volunteers determined as having hirsutism were invited to hospital.

Results: Screening revealed a prevalence of hirsutism among the 2378 patients of 9.8%. Mean FGS score of the 233 cases identified as hirsutism was 10.86±3.6. Mean FGS score in the remaining 2145 cases was 2.08±2.1. Mean FGS was higher in the cases with hirsutism, and the difference was highly significant (P=0.00). Acne was present in 45.9% of the hirsutism group but in only 27% of the screening group, the difference being significant (P=0.001). Hair loss, one of the findings of hyperandrogenemia, was present in 59.7%of the cases of hirsutism and 51.1% of the non-hirsutism group. The level was significantly higher in the hirsutism group (P=0.016). Mean age at menarche of all menstruating cases was 13.1±1 years. Mean age at menarche in the hirsutism group was 12.8±1.1 years, and 13.2±1 years in the non-hirsutism group. The difference in mean age at menarche between the hirsutism and non-hirsutism groups was significant (P=0.001). Menstrual cycle was irregular in 24.8% of the hirsutism group and regular in 75.2%. In the non-hirsutism group, cycles were irregular in 15% of case and regular in 85%. The difference between the two groups was significant (P=0.001). Mild hirsutism was determined in 85.7% of cases, moderate hirsutism in 12% and severe hirsutism in 0.5%. IH was determined in 52 cases (54%), PCOS in 43 (38.5%) and NCAH in 1 (1%).

Conclusion: Studies reported a high prevalence of PCOS, while we determined a higher prevalence of IH. All patients presenting with hirsutism should be investigated in detail and the cause determined.