Endocrine Abstracts

Hirsutism, excessive terminal hair growth in a male-like pattern as a marker of hyperandrogenism, affects 5–10% of reproductive-age women worldwide. The frequency of hirsutism seems to decrease in Asians and the lower cut-off modified hirsutism score is suggested. We performed the study to estimate the frequency, bio-metabolic characteristics, correlates and determinants of hirsutism in reproductive aged Korean women. A total of 2682 female volunteers of reproductive age (15–39 years) were recruited for the genetic study of PCOS. Menstrual history was taken and hirsutism was diagnosed when modified Ferriman-Gallway (mFG) score ≧8 was noted. Anthropometric features, hormones (total testosterone, SHBG, 17OH progesterone, prolactin, and TSH) and metabolic parameters (glucose, insulin and lipids) in blood were measured. The frequency of hirsutism is 133 (4.96%) in a total 2682 subjects. Fifty nine % (1582) of subject had m-FG score of zero; 30.0% (805) had m-FG score between 1 and 4; 6.0% (162) were between 5 and 7. The m-FG values of 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles were 0, 0, 2, and 7 respectively. m-FG score significantly correlated to age, waist circumference, serum total and free testosterone, SHBG, postprandial plasma glucose, fasting and postprandial plasma insulin, and HOMA-IR. Logistic regression analysis showed younger age, increased fasting insulin and free testosterone levels were associated with mFG score. In conclusion the estimated frequency of hirsutism among reproductive aged Korean women was 4.96%, which is comparable to other races. Hirsutism is associated with fasting plasma insulin, serum free testosterone level and younger age.