ASSESSMENT OF HORMONAL DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH HIRSUTISM: DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Abstract

Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive growth of terminal hair in androgen-sensitive areas of a woman's body, often resulting from underlying hormonal imbalances, such as elevated androgens or disrupted LH/FSH ratios. This condition significantly affects physical and emotional well-being, requiring accurate diagnosis and effective management.
This study aimed to address diagnostic challenges in identifying hormonal abnormalities associated with hirsutism and to evaluate their relationship with the severity of the condition.
A total of 150 female patients with a Ferriman-Gallwey score ≥8 were included in this cross-sectional study. Hormonal analyses, including total testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, DHEAS, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, prolactin, and TSH, were conducted using ELISA methods. Patients were stratified by hirsutism severity, and statistical analyses were performed to determine relationships between hormonal levels and severity.
Elevated total testosterone and abnormal LH/FSH ratios were significantly associated with moderate and severe hirsutism (P-values = 0.01 and 0.00, respectively). In contrast, no significant relationships were observed for DHEAS, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, or prolactin levels. Overall, 52% of patients had at least one abnormal hormonal test, emphasizing the need for comprehensive hormonal evaluations in hirsutism diagnosis.
This study highlights the critical role of testosterone and LH/FSH ratio in diagnosing and understanding the severity of hirsutism. By integrating comprehensive hormonal evaluations into clinical practice, the management of hirsutism can be significantly improved. Future research is warranted to explore genetic and environmental factors contributing to hirsutism in underrepresented populations.