Hyperandrogenism — What Is Normal?

Abstract

Androgens are part of normal female physiology, although their role in women is not as well defined as it is in men. Hyperandrogenism may be defined socially, clinically, or biochemically. In North America, the only acceptable type of androgen-dependent hair in women is pubic and axillary hair. Hair above the upper lip, around the areolas, over the linea alba, and on the thighs is often unacceptable, although considered normal by physicians. Clinical definitions of hirsutism, such as that of Ferriman and Gallwey,¹ are based on scoring the extent of hair growth in several body regions. From a biochemical standpoint, hyperandrogenism . . .