ABSTRACT
Introduction
Hirsutism is a prevalent condition among women and represents a primary clinical feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Areas covered
Our study aims to address the principal challenges associated with this hyperandrogenic manifestation in PCOS women. Our narrative review based on the available indexed literature explored the complexities of establishing mFG cutoff values for various ethnic groups, investigated hirsutism during peri- and postmenopausal stages, and examined the role of oxyandrogens.
Expert opinion
Hirsutism may have a negative impact on the quality of life and on the mental health, being associated with anxiety and depression. Future perspectives for its diagnosis include the use of artificial intelligence and the consideration of the distress caused by excessive hair growth.
Article highlights
Hirsutism is a key clinical manifestation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may vary according to ethnicity.
While the Ferriman-Gallwey score is the standard to determine the presence and the degree of hirsutism, other alternative options to identify excessive hair growth should be developed.
There are challenges regarding the definition of hirsutism as the inclusion of distress caused by increased hair is not usually considered.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.