Phenotypic Comparison of Caucasian and Asian Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

In a cross-sectional study from 2006 to 2011, 121 Caucasian and 28 Asian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were compared to assess differences in androgen excess manifestations. The study found that both ethnic groups had similar prevalence of hirsutism, acne, androgenic alopecia, and biochemical hyperandrogenism, with the only significant difference being lower chest hair scores in Asian women. Mean modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scores, which measure hirsutism, were similar between the groups (Caucasian: 8.6, Asian: 7.4). The results suggest that Caucasian and Asian women with PCOS in the same geographic region have similar presentations of androgen excess, and that environmental factors may influence the phenotype of hirsutism. The study indicates that there may not be a need for ethnic-specific mFG scores in women with PCOS, but recommends larger studies to further evaluate this.