Authors
Abstract
Introduction : Hirsutism is a common problem in young women. It could be a sign of internal glands diseases (e.g. : ovary , adrenal , hypophysis , …). The aim of this research was measurment of the serum level of hormones produced by these glands in women with hirsutism .
Materials and methods : This cross – sectional , descriptive research was conducted on all the hirsute women that referred to Dermatology clinic of Jahrom from April 2004 to April 2005. Their serum level of Testosterone , Dehydroepiandrosterone - sulphate (DHEA-S) , prolactin , Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle – Stimulating Hormone (FSH) were measured with ELISA method . Testosterone > 1/2 , DHEA-S >4/1 , prolactin > 25 and >3 were considered abnormal . The Data was analysed using chi –square method .
Results : On the results of this study , 59 patients out of 81 (72/8%) had positive FHx of hirsutism and 42 (52%) had irregular mensturation . Serum testosterone , DHEA-S and prolactin were high in 9/9%, 12/7%, 10/1%,respectively and 23/8% had >3 . High level of serum testosterone , DHEA-S and prolactin didnot have a significant correlation with irregular mensturation, Positive FHx and marrital status . > 3 had significant correlation with irregular mensturation (P<0/001) , but didnot have any significant correlation with age, merrital status and positive FHx. Overall 34 patients (42/5%) had at least one abnormality in their laboratory examination (testosteran or DHEA-S or prolactin or >3 ) .
Conclusion :59 Out of 81 patients (72/8%) had positives FHx of hirsutism .Therefore, it seems that genetics has a significant role in inducing hirsutism . Many patients with hirsutism [34 pts (42/5%)] had at least one hormonal abnormality . Thurs screening tests , measurment of hormones such as testosterone , DHEA-S , prolactin , LH and FSH are neccessary for patients with hirsutism .
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