TLDR Polycystic ovary syndrome is the main cause of hirsutism in premenopausal Iranian women.
This study investigated hirsutism in 790 premenopausal Iranian women, finding that 65% had mild, 32.5% moderate, and 2.5% severe hirsutism. A positive family history was present in 56.2%, and hormonal abnormalities were found in 35.2%. Common coexisting conditions included acne (70%), menstrual irregularity (38.6%), and androgenic alopecia (21.3%). The primary etiologies were polycystic ovary syndrome (62.53%) and idiopathic causes (35.19%). Polycystic ovary syndrome was more frequent in women with menstrual irregularity. The study recommended endocrinologic evaluations and assessments for polycystic ovary syndrome in all hirsute patients.
169 citations,
August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology” Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
77 citations,
March 2004 in “Human Reproduction” Women with irregular periods and/or excessive body hair are more likely to have polycystic ovaries, and this condition is linked to higher health risks.
4809 citations,
January 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and highlighted increased risks of diabetes and heart disease for those affected.
135 citations,
August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.
5 citations,
September 1980 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Understanding hormones is key to treating certain skin conditions.
January 2020 in “Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology” All women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in a study had at least one skin disorder, with the most common being excessive hair growth, acne, dark skin patches, hair loss, and oily skin.
215 citations,
January 2011 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology” About 7% to 15% of Iranian women have polycystic ovary syndrome, depending on the criteria used to diagnose it.
1540 citations,
October 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility” The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
