Bone mineral density in women with idiopathic hirsutism

Idiopathic hirsutism is relatively uncommon, affecting approximately 6% of hirsute women. In the present study we compared the bone mineral density (B MD) of women with idiopathic hirsutism with controls. A group of 20 women d iagnosed with idiopathic hirsutism was evaluated with respect to BMD and th e findings were compared to those of a control group consisting of 10 norma l women. Hirsutism was graded according to the Ferriman-Gallwey score and t hreshold was considered to be a score more than 4. There was no statistical ly significant difference with respect to patients' mean age, BMI and body fat composition. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH ), androstenedione, testosterone,free testosterone, 17 alpha -hydroxyproges terone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), sex hormone binding globuli n (SHBG) and estradiol were assessed in both groups and no statistically si gnificant differences were found. There was no statistically significant di fference with respect to bone turnover - which was evaluated by determining the serum levels of parathyroid hormone, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin as well as the urinary secretion of calcium and hydroxyproline , corrected for the creatinine values - between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test for unpaired data to compare age, BMD and biochemical data, and Wilcoxon's rank test uas used to compare phys ical activity and calcium intake. Statistical significance war defined as p < 0.05. The BMD at the level of the 2nd to 4th lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) an d the total BMD were higher in women with idiopathic hirsutism compared to those in the control group, suggesting a possible direct effect of androgen s on the osseous tissue of hirsute women.