Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Hirsutism

The 2016 study by Ahmed Aboul Serour focused on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which affected 5-15% of women and was the most common cause of hirsutism, with a prevalence of 70-80% in PCOS patients compared to 4%-11% in the general female population. The study highlighted that there was no universal agreement on the definition of PCOS, with different organizations using varying criteria. The research also found that hirsutism in PCOS was due to excess production of ovarian androgen driven by high levels of LH. Lifestyle modifications and weight loss were recommended for PCOS patients with hirsutism. Medical treatments such as combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), antiandrogens, or a combination of both, as well as insulin sensitizers were found to be effective, especially when associated with hyperinsulinemia. The study concluded that the management strategy for PCOS patients with hirsutism should be patient-centered, and both medical and cosmetic treatments were effective.