Ferriman-Gallwey score
A standardized clinical tool for quantifying hirsutism by rating hair growth in nine androgen-sensitive body areas.
Full Definition
The Ferriman-Gallwey score is a widely used clinical assessment tool for quantifying the degree of hirsutism in females by evaluating hair growth in nine androgen-sensitive body regions: upper lip, chin, chest, upper back, lower back, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, upper arms, and thighs. Each area is scored from 0-4 based on the amount and distribution of terminal hair growth, with a total possible score of 36. A score of 8 or higher is generally considered indicative of hirsutism in most populations, though normal ranges may vary by ethnicity. This scoring system provides an objective method for monitoring treatment response in adolescents with hyperandrogenic conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify which version (original or modified) when documenting scores.
In Context
- "The patient's Ferriman-Gallwey score decreased from 15 to 8 after six months of antiandrogen therapy." — Treatment response assessment
- "A Ferriman-Gallwey score of 11 confirmed clinically significant hirsutism in this adolescent." — Initial evaluation