Epidemiology of hirsutism among women of reproductive age in the community: a simplified scoring system

Abstract Objective The purpose of our research was to generate large sample evidence for the clinical diagnostic criteria of hirsutism and to simplify the modified Ferriman-Galwey (mF-G) scoring system for Asian women. Study design This study was a large-scale, cross-sectional epidemiologic investigation conducted in 10 provinces of China. A total of 10,120 reproductive-age women in the community were involved in using the mF-G scoring system to evaluate hirsutism. Results Of the participants, 95.5% had an mF-G score 4) and the average mF-G score decreased with advancing age. Conclusions An mF-G scoring >4 can be used to diagnose hirsutism in this population. The results also suggest that hair growth involving the upper lip, thighs, and lower abdomen with scores >2 can be used to diagnose hirsutism in women in the community.