Comparison of biochemical and ultrasonographic features in hirsute females with polycystic ovarian Syndrome and other causes of hirsutism

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder and one of the commonest endocrine 
disorders of women. One of its common presentations is hirsutism.  
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and ultrasonographic features of PCOS in patients 
with hirsutism and to compare these features with other etiologies of hirsutism in our setup. 
Study Design: Comparative study. 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between 1st September 2007 to 31st December 2008 in the 
department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. 
Materials and Methods: All the female patients who presented to gynae and dermatology clinics with hirsutism 
were included in the study. A detailed history, clinical examination with special reference to Ferriman-Gallwey 
scoring system, endocrinological workup and abdominopelvic ultrasonography (USG) was done in all patients. We 
divided the patients into two groups, one labeled as PCOS group (i.e. treatment group) and the other control group 
including idiopathic hirsutism and other etiologies. Data was analyzed using STATA 11. Multivariant test and logit 
model was used for statistical analysis.  
Results: A total of 74 patients were included in the study, 44 had PCOS and 30 were in the control group with other 
etiologies of hirsutism. 
Regarding the biochemical tests, only serum FSH, LH and progesterone levels showed statistically significant 
difference between the two groups (p-value ≤ 0.05). The comparison of ovarian volume (>10 ml) between the two 
groups was also statistically significant (i.e. p-value ≤ 0.05). 
Conclusion:  It was concluded that out of the long list of biochemical test for diagnosis of PCOS in hirsute females 
only serum FSH, LH and progesterone are statistically significant. Patients who present with hirsutism should be 
evaluated systematically and initial investigations must not include a long list of endocrine test. Abdominopelvic 
USG for polycystic ovaries has a definite role in diagnosis and must be done at initial visit.