Hirsutism among Infertile Women: Impact of Lifestyle Modifications

Research Abstract

Background: Hirsutism, or excessive terminal hair growth with a masculine pattern distribution, affects 60–70% of PCOS patients Aim: evaluate the effect of lifestyle modification intervention on hirsutism among infertile overweight and obese women with PCOs. Subjects and Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was used to study 116 infertile women at gynecological and infertility outpatient and inpatient clinics and specialized medical center for the treatment of infertility and delayed childbearing affiliated with Beni-Suef University Hospital in Egypt. The study utilized modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) to determine the degree of Hirsutism. Results: prior to the intervention, 51.7% of the study group exhibited significant hair growth in the upper abdomen and lower abdomen, but 58.6% of the study group had no visible terminal hair. 45% and 30% of the study group had moderate and severe hirsutism, respectively, before the intervention, compared to 23% and 11% after the intervention, respectively. Statistically significant association between hirsutism levels and lifestyle dietary habits after program implementation was found (p<0.05). Statistically significant association between physical activity level was observed after program implementation (p<0.05). Conclusion: Lifestyle modification interventions have a significant positive effect on hirsutism levels for infertile overweight and obese women. Recommendations: As counselors, nurses should offer advice and support as well as teach infertile overweight women about lifestyle change, since it presents a significant challenge in the modern society.

Research Keywords

hirsutism; lifestyle; modifications; infertile women