ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Determination of the causes of hirsutism in hirsute patients who referred to dermatologic clinic in Sanandaj from 1382 till the end of 1383. Hirsutism is the growth of coarse terminal hair in a male pattern distribution in females. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study comprising 180 hirsute patients in Sanandaj, (1382-1383). The method of sampling was c ensus and the data were collected by use of questionnaires. The patients were interviewed and examined. Relevant tests and sonography of ovaries were requested. The data collected, were analyzed by means of SPSS and chi square tests. Results: Menstrual irregularities, acne vulgaris, family history of hirsutism and hair loss were detected in 36.1%, 37.7%, 47.8% and 26.7% of the patients, respectively. Regarding para clinical Tests, high serum levels of testosterone, prolactin, DHEA-SO4 were detected in 15%, 6%, 11% respectively and 3% of patients had high urine level of cortisol. 62.7% of patients had mild hirsutism, chin was the most common site of involvement (47.7%). No significant relationship between the age of the patients and severity of hirsutism was observed (p=0.000). Conclusion: It has been stated that polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of hirsutism, but in our study, most patients had the idiopathic type of disease. Therefore factors such as genetics, nutrition, inappropriate use of medicines and lack of suitable diagnostic facilities may be regarded as possible explanations for the results of this study. Key words: Hirsutism, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Acne vulgaris |
