Influence of body mass index and age on the grade of hair growth in hirsute women of reproductive ages

K. Ruutiainen, R. Erkkola, M. A. Gronroos, K. Irjala

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

The relationships between the hair growth in different body regions, body mass index (BMI) and age were studied in 225 women of reproductive aged referred for hirsutism. The regularity of the cycles was registered, and 109 of the patients were interviewed for their maximum weight, teenage obesity, and age of menarche. The serum androgens were measured in the follicular phase. The results indicate that facial hirsutism is associated with BMI (ρ = 0.41, P < 0.001) independently of age and the testosterone (T) to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) ratio. Facial hirsutism is also correlated with age (ρ = 0.37, P < 0.001) irrespective of BMI (ρ = 0.26, P < 0.001) or the T/SHBG ratio (ρ = 0.43, P < 0.001). In contrast, the hair growth on trunk area is related to the T/SHBG ratio (ρ = 0.35, P < 0.001) but not to BMI or age when the correlations are adjusted for the grade of hyperandrogenemia. The women with severe facial hirsutism had a higher maximum weight (P < 0.001) and more teenage obesity (P < 0.001) than other hirsute patients. They also had a slightly earlier menarche compared with their agemates than the women with mild or absent facial hair (P < 0.05). The data suggest differencies in the regulation of hair growth between the face and trunk areas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)260-265
Number of pages6
JournalFertility and sterility
Volume50
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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