Original Articles SERUM TESTOSTERONE AND FOLLICLE STIMULATING HORMONE/LEUTINIZING HORMONE RATIO IN WOMEN HAVING HIRSUTISM

Abstract

Background:

Idiopathic hirsutism is on the rise in the local female population. The objective of this study was to determine the role of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone/leutinizing hormone ratio in mild and moderate hirsutism.

Material and Methods:
Sixty hirsute subjects aging 18-35 years were selected while ten normal healthy females were included as controls. An assessment of excess terminal growth of all subjects was made using the modified Ferriman and Gallwey scoring method. The hirsute subjects were categorized into mild and moderate hirsutism. Serum Testosterone, Follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were assayed by the ELISA technique.

Results:
Serum testosterone was lower, non-significant, in hirsute subjects in comparison with control subjects. The follicle stimulating hormone/leutinizing hormone ratio was non significantly higher in hirsute subjects as compared to control subjects.

Conclusion:
The findings suggest that hirsute women are suffering from idiopathic hirsutism.