Hirsutism: A Clinico-Investigative Study

In the 2012 study involving 40 patients, researchers found that hirsutism, excessive terminal hair growth in androgen-sensitive areas, was primarily caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), accounting for 70% of cases. The severity of hirsutism was positively correlated with free testosterone levels. Other clinical features associated with hirsutism included acne, menstrual irregularities, acanthosis nigricans, obesity, and androgenetic alopecia. The study also indicated that idiopathic hirsutism might be over-diagnosed and emphasized the importance of thorough investigation to identify underlying causes for effective treatment. Significant hormonal differences were observed between hirsute patients and the control group, particularly in free testosterone, which was significantly associated with the severity of hirsutism.