Correlation of Anthropometric Parameters to Severity of Hirsutism in Women

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the anthropometric parameters and the
severity of hirsutism.
Methods: A sample of sixtyfemale subjects, aged 18-35 years,having hirsutism was selected,
while ten normal healthy females were randomly included as controls.Height, weight and waist
circumference of subjects were measured.Body mass index (kg/m2) was calculated. All subjects
underwent an assessment of excess terminal hair growth using the modification of the method
originally described by Ferriman and Gallwey (FG). Hirsutism was classified as mild (score 8-15),
moderate (score16-25), and severe (score >25).
Results: The mean SD waist circumference, weight and body mass index values in hirsute
subjects were significantly higher (p< 0.05) than those in controls. Significant positive correlations
were observed between body weight, BMI and mild hirsutism score. However in moderate
hirsutism, Ferriman Gallwey score was significantly and positively correlated with body mass
index only.
Conclusion: The excess terminal hair growth is more common in overweight women having less
hirsutism score