Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology. Hirsutism, one of the most prevalent manifestations of PCOS, is often attributed to elevated androgen levels, particularly testosterone. However, the clinical severity of hirsutism does not always correlate linearly with biochemical markers. To evaluate the association between serum testosterone levels and the severity of hirsutism in women with PCOS. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 107 women aged 18-35 years, diagnosed with PCOS based on Rotterdam criteria, were included. Hirsutism was assessed using the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scoring system. Serum total and free testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH, fasting insulin and glucose levels were measured. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between androgen levels and hirsutism severity. The prevalence of hirsutism (mFG $8) was 72.9%. There was a significant positive correlation between mFG scores and both total (r = 0.52, p<0.001) and free testosterone (r = 0.58, p<0.001). Free testosterone showed the strongest predictive value for hirsutism severity. DHEA-S, BMI and HOMA-IR also showed significant but weaker associations. Hirsutism severity in PCOS correlates significantly with serum testosterone levels, particularly free testosterone. These findings support the clinical relevance of free testosterone as a marker of hyperandrogenism in PCOS and highlight the multifactorial nature of hirsutism.
How to cite this article:
Binusha J. Ashok, Jesu Thangam and N.V. Priyanka. Association of Hirsutism and Testosterone Levels in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Clinical and Biochemical Correlation.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.811.814
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/makrjms.2024.12.811.814