Health Dictionary
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Ferriman-Gallwey score
Introduction
The Ferriman-Gallwey score is a method of evaluating and quantifying hirsutism in women, a condition where there is too much body hair.
Hair growth is rated from 0 (no growth of terminal hair) to 4 (complete and heavy cover), in nine locations, giving a maximum score of 36. In Caucasian women, a score of 8 or higher is regarded as indicative of androgen excess. With other ethnic groups, the amount of hair expected for that race should be considered.
The nine locations measured are the upper lip, chin, chest, upper back, lower back, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, the upper arms and the thighs.
References
- Ferriman D, Gallwey JD: Clinical assessment of body hair growth in women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology 1961; 21:1440-1447.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]