IntroductionHirsutism is defined as excess terminal hair that commonly appears in a male pattern in women.AimTo examine severity and distribution of hirsutism with Ferriman-Gallwey visual scoring system in hirsute women in Kosovo.Material and methodsThis prospective study included 160 women, 135 with hirsutism and 25 as a control group. The Ferriman-Gallwey score is used to evaluate hirsutism. The examiner scored the subjects on a scale of 0–4 for terminal hair growth on eleven different body areas according to the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system. An Ferriman-Gallwey score of 8 or more was considered diagnostic of hirsutism. A thorough physical examination with specific emphasis on signs of virilization (including frontal baldness, loss of female body contours, increased muscularity, acne, clitoromegaly, and atrophy of breast) was done in all patients.ResultsThe positive family history of hirsutism was present in 63.7%. In 51.1% of women with hirsutism, the menstrual cycle was regular, 25.2% had oligomenorrhea, 13.3% amenorrhea, 7.4% dysmenorrhea, 1.5% polymenorrhea and 1.5% oligomenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. The age group with the highest scoring comprised women under 20 years and 20–29 years group with an average value of 23.9 and 24.8, respectively. In our study population, 40% of the patients had an Ferriman-Gallwey score of 3 for the upper lip and 47% of patients had an Ferriman-Gallwey score of 3 for the chin.ConclusionsThe Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system has a great significance and value to establish the diagnosis of hirsutism and is an acceptable screening method.

IntroductionAcne and hirsutism are common manifestations of hyperandrogenism.AimTo investigate whether or not acne is present in women with hirsutism, associated with different clinical, endocrine and ultrasonographic features.Material and methodsThe prospective study included 135 women with hirsutism, aged 14–46 years. We measured the levels of hormones with radioimmunoassay/immunoradiometric assay methods.ResultsAcne were present in 63 (47.6%) women with hirsutism. Sixty women had mild forms of acne, including: whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. Only 3 women had moderate to severe acne, including nodules. In a group of women with hirsutism and acne, 6 (9.5%) were obese. In our study we found a high prevalence of androgen excess among hirsute women with acne: total testosterone was increased in 79%, free testosterone in 20.6%, androstenedione in 69.8%, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in 30.1%, 17-OH-progesterone 68.2% and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was decreased in 33.3% of women. Women with hirsutism and acne have received oral contraceptives for a year, without or in a combination with other medication. Thirty-four (53.9%) women have shown improvement in hirsutism and acne.ConclusionsIn this study we found a high prevalence of acne in hirsute women. The prevalence of acne was higher in polycystic ovarian syndrome. Since these women have associated endocrine changes it is important to correct them with hormonal therapy.

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Background: Very limited information is available on the prevalence and risk factors of asthma in adolescents in Kosovo, and no study has previously addressed the role of Human Development Index (HDI) on asthma in the region. The present study addresses these two issues.Methods: Following the Global Asthma Network (GAN) methodology, a cross-sectional survey, through standardised self-completed questionnaires, was conducted in the following six centres of Kosovo: Ferizaj, Gjakova, Gjilan, Peja, Prishtina and Prizren. Current asthma symptoms (CAS) and severe current asthma symptoms (sCAS) were defined according to the GAN standards. Environmental questionnaire inquired about gender, exercise, screening time, siblings, truck traffic, use of paracetamol, pet ownership, and smoking habits. Height and weight were also measured. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in each centre along with meta-analyses to summarise the overall effects of each factor in the centres as a whole. Meta-regression of the prevalence rates was calculated using HDI as a moderator.Results: Participation rate was high (80.0–99.9%). Prevalence of CAS ranged from 4.6% to 11.3%, and sCAS from 1.7% to 4.5%. Factors associated with CAS were exercise, computer time, paracetamol use and dog ownership. sCAS was associated with paracetamol use and physical exercise. HDI explained 46% and 80% of prevalence variability of CAS and sCAS between centres, respectively.Conclusions: Prevalence of CAS and sCAS in Kosovo varies highly between centres. This variability is explained partly by HDI. Individual risk factors are common, with some determined inother studies conducted in other regions.

Introduction:Hirsutism is a common disorder of excess growth of terminal hair in an androgen-dependent male distribution in women, including the chin, upper lip, breasts, back, and abdomen. It is very important to identify the etiology of hirsutism and adequate treat is prior to any cosmetic therapy.Case Presentation:The case was a 17-year-old female with severe hirsutism, oligomenorrhea, and obesity. She was evaluated to identify the etiology and diagnosed as a case of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH), and hyperandrogenic insulin-resistant acanthosis nigricans (HAIR-AN) syndrome, which is a rare combination of hirsutism etiology. She was successfully treated according to the underlying pathology, and laser photoepilation was used as the preferred hair removal method.Discussion:Establishing the etiology, using the evidence–based strategies to improve hirsutism, and treating the underlying disorder, are essential for proper management of women with hirsutism.