Diagnosis
One method of evaluating hirsutism is the Ferriman-Gallwey score which gives a score based on the amount and location of hair growth on a woman.
Diagnosis of patients with even mild hirsutism should include assessment of ovulation and ovarian ultrasound (because of the high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome), as well as 17-hydroxyprogesterone (because of the possibility of finding nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency).
Other blood value that may be evaluated in the workup of hirsutism include:
- the androgens testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
- thyroid-stimulating hormone
- prolactin
If no underlying cause can be identified, the condition is considered idiopathic.
Read more about this topic: Hirsutism