Abstract
Aim In this study a consecutive series of 120 hirsute Saudi women were thoroughly investigated for possible causes of their hirsutism.
Methods In addition to a detailed clinical evaluation the following hormones were measured: testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, prolactin, progesterone, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, T3, T4, cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone.
Results All evaluable patients had at least one hormonal abnormality and 85.9% had at least one of the five major androgens elevated. Polycystic ovaries were found in 59% of the patients, hyperprolactinaemia in 34.6%, and 14.1% had congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Conclusion We recommend a two-step laboratory work-up that will unravel a cause for hirsutism in most if not all hirsute women.