Endocrinol Metab.  2019 Dec;34(4):374-381. 10.3803/EnM.2019.34.4.374.

The Modified Ferriman-Gallwey Score and Hirsutism among Filipino Women

• Ilagan MK
• Paz-Pacheco E
• Totesora D
• Clemente-Chua LR
• Jalique JR

• KMID: 2466256
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2019.34.4.374

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score is the gold standard for the clinical evaluation of hirsutism. However, racial variations in terminal hair growth limit this tool. This study aimed to determine the mFG cut-off score among Filipino women and its association with biochemical hyperandrogenism.
METHODS
A total of 128 Filipino women were included in this prospective cross-sectional study and were divided into two groups: a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group (n=28) and a non-PCOS group (n=100). The participants underwent mFG score determination, ovarian ultrasound conducted by a single sonographer, and hormone testing. The mFG cut-off score was determined based on the 95th percentile of the non-PCOS group. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between mFG score and biochemical hyperandrogenism.
RESULTS
Although the mFG score was generally low in both the PCOS and non-PCOS groups, the former exhibited a higher mean score than the latter (4.3±3.0 vs. 2.0±2.2, P<0.001). Normal values for the total mFG score ranged from 0 to 7. Using a cut-off score of 7, a higher proportion of hirsute women (mFG score ≥7) was observed in the PCOS group versus the non-PCOS group (17.9% vs. 5.0%, P=0.025). Elevated calculated free testosterone (FT) was also found to be significantly associated with hirsutism (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 32.4 pmol/L; P=0.030).
CONCLUSION
A score of 7 and above constitutes hirsutism in this population of Filipino women. Hirsute women are more likely than non-hirsute women to have elevated calculated FT.

Keyword

Hirsutism; Gonadal disorders; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Hyperandrogenism

MeSH Terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Gonadal Disorders
Hair
Hirsutism*
Humans
Hyperandrogenism
Logistic Models
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Prospective Studies
Reference Values
Testosterone
Ultrasonography
Testosterone

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Boxplots representing the distribution of total modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scores in the non-polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group (A) and the PCOS group (B). The mean total mFG scores for the two groups were: non-PCOS group, 2.0±2.2; PCOS group, 4.3±3.0.

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