A CROSS SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE PATTERN AND GRADING OF FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS IN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME PATIENTS.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by hormonal imbalances and various reproductive manifestations. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is increasingly recognized as a common dermatological manifestation in PCOS patients, adding to the complexity of its clinical presentation. This study aimed to Aims And Objectives: evaluate the pattern and grading of FPHL in patients diagnosed with PCOS using Rakowska's Dermoscopic criteria and Ludwigs Classification. Additionally, demographic features and clinical manifestations associated with PCOS were assessed. A Methods: cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 640 female patients diagnosed with PCOS according to modified Rotterdam criteria. Among them, 80 patients were evaluated for FPHL using Rakowska's dermoscopic criteria. Demographic data, clinical features including hirsutism, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) on ultrasonography, irregular menstruation, acne, and serum testosterone levels were documented. FPHL was graded using the Ludwigs Classification based on the extent of hair loss. Dermoscopic findings such as hair miniaturization, hair shaft diameter diversity, single hair follicular units, peri-pilar sign, yellow dots and presence of vellus hair were recorded. The s Results: tudy found that FPHL was present in 12.5% of PCOS patients evaluated. The majority of these patients were between 20-30 years old (88.75%), highlighting a younger age distribution. Clinical features commonly associated with PCOS included hirsutism (83.12%), PCOM (57.96%), irregular menstruation (65.31%), acne (50%), and elevated serum total testosterone levels (>75 ng/dL in 25% of patients). In terms of FPHL grading, 62.5% of cases were classified as Ludwig Grade II, indicating moderate hair loss. Dermoscopic analysis revealed hair miniaturization (97.5%), hair shaft diameter diversity (>20% in 100%), single hair follicular units (53.75%), and presence of vellus hair (67.5%) as predominant features. Yellow Dots at 22.5% and peri pilar sign at 17.5% were some of the other dermoscopic findings. -This study highlights the significant associati Conclusion on between PCOS and FPHL, particularly among younger women. The findings emphasize the importance of early detection and management of FPHL in PCOS patients, utilizing dermoscopy for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.