Question

Discuss the scoring system for clinical quantification of Hirsutism in a female.

Hint:

The Ferriman-Gallwey score is a simple, effective tool to assess the severity of hirsutism and monitor treatment progress.

Answer 1

Step 1: Introduction to Hirsutism.
Hirsutism refers to the excessive growth of dark, coarse hair in women in areas where men typically grow hair, such as the face, chest, and back. It is often a sign of an underlying hormonal imbalance, particularly excess androgens.
Step 2: Scoring System for Clinical Quantification of Hirsutism.
The Ferriman-Gallwey (F-G) scoring system is the most widely used tool to assess hirsutism clinically. It evaluates hair growth in 9 body areas:
(1) Upper lip
(2) Chin
(3) Chest
(4) Abdomen
(5) Thighs
(6) Upper arms
(7) Back
(8) Pubic area
(9) Lower back
Each area is scored on a scale from 0 to 4 based on the degree of hair growth:
- 0: No hair growth.
- 1: Fine, light hair.
- 2: Coarse, dark hair covering less than 50% of the area.
- 3: Coarse, dark hair covering more than 50% of the area.
- 4: Thick, coarse hair, resembling male-pattern hair growth.
The total score is the sum of the individual scores for each area. A total score of 8 or more is usually considered indicative of hirsutism.
Step 3: Use of the Scoring System.
The Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system helps quantify the severity of hirsutism and is useful in tracking changes over time, particularly in response to treatment.