BIOCHEMICAL DETERMINANTS OF FAMILIAL HIRSUTISM IN SOUTHERN BELT OF KPK

Abstract

This study investigated the biochemical and hormonal profiles of women with hirsutism in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, emphasizing thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, LH), and their involvement in the disease. Blood samples were collected from 20 women aged 20 to 45, eliminating those with preexisting health issues. The findings indicated that thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH) were predominantly within normal limits for most subjects, with only 20 percent of them exhibiting modestly decreased T3 levels. Likewise, FSH and LH levels were predominantly normal; nevertheless, 60% of patients had FSH levels below the standard range. The primary discovery was markedly increased testosterone levels in all individuals, varying from 5.6 to 17.0 ng/ml, much beyond the typical female range (<1.0 ng/ml). Increased testosterone is significantly associated with hirsutism, as it stimulates hair growth in androgen- sensitive regions. The research indicates that increased testosterone levels are the principal hormonal catalyst for hirsutism in the examined group, although thyroid hormones and other sex hormones (FSH, LH) seem to have a little impact. These findings underscore the significance of testosterone control in the management of hirsutism and propose further molecular investigations to uncover genetic abnormalities or dysregulations linked to hyperandrogenism in afflicted women. Also, the study needs to include a larger and more diverse group of people so that we can better understand how common the condition is and what causes it in different racial groups.