Concern raised over hirsutism cut-off in PCOS guidelines

Experts are at odds over what constitutes 'abnormal' hairiness
Clare Pain

The definition of hirsutism in an Australian-developed international guideline on management of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) could lead to overdiagnosis of the syndrome, a leading endocrinologist warns.

Professor Susan Davis, director of women’s health research at Monash University, Melbourne, says the cut-offs for abnormal hairiness are too low and could pathologise healthy women.