The cut off of Ferriman Gallwey score for PCOS in Asia and the degree of hyperandrogenism indicator

Abstract

Objective: To determine the distribution of the Ferriman–Gallwey score in Asia and to study any association between hirsutism and endocrine markers, and also to find the cut off of  F-G score.                                       

Background: Hirsutism is the most widely used clinical diagnostic criterion for hyperandrogenism, it is present in approximately 70% of PCOS women. Using the Ferriman- Gallwey (F-G) scoring systems for evaluation of hirsutism, the degrees of hyperandrogenism from different regions are distinct and have different cut off.

Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital Jakarta in 2015. Reproductive age women who commits with PCOS criteria were included in the study. Clinical data was taken by interview, physical examination and US examination. Patient’s blood was taken for FTI, and testosterone.

Results: The data indicated that 32.4% PCOS woman shows clinical signs of hyperandrogenism, with the minimum score of hirsutism 2 and based on laboratory findings 34.3% subjects show high FTI and testosterone level. However not all patient with high androgen level have a high score of hirsutism.                              

Conclusion: Clinical and laboratory finding of hyperandrogenism have a correlation to determine the score of Ferriman–Gallwey (F-G). The cut off is lower than European and west countries.

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