The Modified Ferriman-Gallwey Score and Hirsutism among Filipino Women

Background: The modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score is the gold standard for the clinical evaluation of hirsutism.However, racial variations in terminal hair growth limit this tool.This study aimed to determine the mFG cut-off score among Filipino women and its association with biochemical hyperandrogenism.Methods: A total of 128 Filipino women were included in this prospective cross-sectional study and were divided into two groups: a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group (n=28) and a non-PCOS group (n=100).The participants underwent mFG score determination, ovarian ultrasound conducted by a single sonographer, and hormone testing.The mFG cut-off score was determined based on the 95th percentile of the non-PCOS group.Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between mFG score and biochemical hyperandrogenism.Results: Although the mFG score was generally low in both the PCOS and non-PCOS groups, the former exhibited a higher mean score than the latter (4.3±3.0 vs. 2.0±2.2,P<0.001).Normal values for the total mFG score ranged from 0 to 7. Using a cut-off score of 7, a higher proportion of hirsute women (mFG score ≥7) was observed in the PCOS group versus the non-PCOS group (17.9% vs. 5.0%, P=0.025).Elevated calculated free testosterone (FT) was also found to be significantly associated with hirsutism (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 32.4 pmol/L; P=0.030).Conclusion: A score of 7 and above constitutes hirsutism in this population of Filipino women.Hirsute women are more likely than non-hirsute women to have elevated calculated FT.