High prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in women with mild hirsutism and no other significant clinical symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the conclusions of the Endocrine Society Guidelines that patients with mild hirsutism and no other important clinical signs (menstrual irregularities, infertility, central obesity, acanthosis nigricans, rapid progression of the hirsutism, clitoromegaly) should not be further studied.


METHODS
Retrospective study in patients referred because of mild hirsutism and no other clinical signs.


METHODS
Department of Clinical Medicine of the University of Palermo.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-two patients with mild hirsutism.


METHODS
Measurement of serum testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-OH-Progesterone, assessment of ovulation by measurement of progesterone in 21 to 24 days and ovarian ultrasound.


RESULTS
In 72 (47%) patients a diagnosis of polycyctic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was performed. Polycyctic ovarian syndrome patients included 56 patients with the mild ovulatory form (OV-PCOS) but also 16 patients with the anovulatory form (classic PCOS). Three (2%) patients had nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of the high prevalence of PCOS and the possibility of finding nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency, patients with mild hirsutism need a diagnostic evaluation that should include 17-hydroxyprogesterone measurement plus assessment of ovulation and ovarian ultrasound.
Di Fede
Gaetana
G
Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Mansueto
Pasquale
P
Pepe
Ilenia
I
Rini
Giovam Battista
GB
Carmina
Enrico
E