Impact of Hirsutism on the Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Pilot Study Using Dermatology Life Quality Index from Western India

Abstract

Background: Hirsutism is defined as excess terminal hair growth over androgen-dependent areas in women. It may cause significant social and psychological stigma with a negative impact on the quality of life. However, there is a dearth of data regarding this important parameter from the Indian sub-continent. Objectives: A cross-sectional study was performed to elucidate the quality of life of women with hirsutism using the dermatology life quality index (DLQI). Methods: The severity of hirsutism was graded by modified Ferriman-Gallwey Score (F-G score) and correlated with quality of life by employing self-administered questionnaires of DLQI. Results: Of 40 women with hirsutism (mean DLQI score 5.55 ± 1.501), 3% demonstrated no effect, 52% small effect, and 45% moderate effect. Among domains, “symptoms and feelings” had the highest mean DLQI. Moreover, F-G score and DLQI had a weak positive but insignificant correlation. There was no significant correlation between DLQI and variables like age, marital status, occupation, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Conclusions: Hirsutism had a small to moderate impact on the quality of life, with symptoms and feelings as the most affected domain.