Evaluation of serum level of testosterone , Dehydroepiandrosterone - sulphate (DHEA-S) prolactin , Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Follicle – stimulating hormone (FSH) in women with hirsutism .

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 .