Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hirsutism physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Patients with hirsutism usually appear normal and in no acute distress. The degree of hirsutism can be estimated using the Ferriman-Gallwey score.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
General
Patients with hirsutism usually appear normal and in no acute distress. The degree of hirsutism can be estimated using the Ferriman-Gallwey score.[1]
Appearance
- Patients with hirsutism usually appear normal and in no acute distress.
Skin
- generalized increase in growth of the hair on all of the body (hypertrichosis).[1]
- The skin of the abdomen may show striae in the cases of Cushing syndrome.
| Upper lip | 0-4 |
|---|---|
| Chin | 0-4 |
| Chest | 0-4 |
| Leg | 0-4 |
| Thigh | 0-4 |
| Upper arm | 0-4 |
| Forearm | 0-4 |
| Upper back | 0-4 |
| Lower back | 0-4 |
| Upper abdomen | 0-4 |
| Lower abdomen | 0-4 |
Neck
- The neck is usually supple without any masses.
Lungs
- The lungs are usually clear to auscultation.
Abdomen
- Inspection may show central obesity if Cushing syndrome is present.[2]
- Palpation of the abdomen may reveal masses in the iliac fossae if PCO is the cause of hirsutism.
Heart
- Auscultation of the heart reveals normal S1, S2, with no rubs, gallops, or murmurs.
Extremities
- The extremities may show wasting in the cases of Cushing syndrome.
Neurologic
- Patient is usually oriented to time, person, and place with average motor and sensory functions.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]: Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: ; Rasam Hajiannasab M.D.[2], Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [3]