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.


OBJECTIVE
To study the pattern of hirsutism in Kashmir.


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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Idiopathic hirsutism was the most common category, whilst PCOS, hypothyroidism and CAH were also seen.
Ahmad
Qazi Masood
QM
Department of Dermatology, STD and Leprosy, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir, India.
Shah
Iffat Hassan
IH
Sameem
Farah
F
Kamili
Qurat-ul-ain
QU
Sultan
Javeed
J