TLDR Excessive hair growth is much more common in Chinese women with PCOS than in the general population.
The study conducted a semiquantitative assessment of hirsutism in 850 Chinese women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and 2,988 women from the general population. The study found that hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, was significantly higher in PCOS patients (43.2% with a Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score of 5 or above) compared to the general population (10% with a FG score of 5 or above). The most common areas for terminal hair growth in both groups were the lips and upper back. However, in severe cases (score 3-4), the lips and thighs were the most common areas. The study concluded that an mFG score of 5 or above is abnormal for the general population and forms almost half of the possibility of diagnosing PCOS in Chinese women. The FG score was found to have good predictive value for diagnosing PCOS in Chinese women.
98 citations,
July 2011 in “Fertility and Sterility” An mFG score of 5 or more indicates above-normal hair growth in Southern Chinese women.
1744 citations,
August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.
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.
99 citations,
August 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility” Too much male hormone is the main cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
491 citations,
July 2000 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic ovary syndrome is found in 6.5% of unselected Caucasian women in Spain.
633 citations,
September 1998 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” PCOS affects a similar percentage of Black and White women in the Southeastern United States.
6 citations,
October 2014 in “Endokrynologia Polska” Excessive hair growth is much more common in Chinese women with PCOS than in the general population.
98 citations,
July 2011 in “Fertility and Sterility” An mFG score of 5 or more indicates above-normal hair growth in Southern Chinese women.
April 2008 in “Obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive medicine” Hirsutism is often caused by high male hormone levels and can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
19 citations,
March 2008 in “Nature clinical practice endocrinology & metabolism” A combined drug and laser treatment improved hirsutism in a PCOS patient, also enhancing her heart health and requiring regular liver and kidney checks.
6 citations,
January 1977 in “Archives of dermatological research”
