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
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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
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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
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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.
24 citations
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March 1996 in “Postgraduate Medical Journal” Most women with hirsutism in the UAE have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
135 citations
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August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Most women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia had polycystic ovaries, especially if they had irregular periods.
5 citations
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September 1980 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Understanding hormones is key to treating certain skin conditions.
