Ferriman Gallwey Evaluation of Hirsutism
It is simply a representation of hair growth in a male pattern on a woman shown in four different degrees of severity in 11 different body parts; namely the upper lip, chin, chest, upper back, lower back, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, arm, forearm, thigh, and lower leg.
An FG score >8 is considered abnormal for black or white women. Scores between 8 and 15 are usually considered to be mild hirsutism, 16 to 25 moderate, and scores >25 severe hirsutism.
For Mediterranean, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern women, an FG score ≥9 to 10 is considered abnormal and for Asian women, ≥2
The most important goal of the evaluation is to identify the most serious causes of hirsutism, including androgen-secreting ovarian and adrenal tumors. Features that suggest a possible androgen-secreting tumors include:
---Recent onset, short duration (typically less than one year), progressive worsening of hirsutism
---Onset in the third decade of life or later, rather than near puberty
---Signs of virilization, including frontal balding, acne, clitoromegaly, increased muscle mass, and deepening of the voice