Ferriman-Gallwey Score

Modified Ferriman-Gallwey

Face

Chest

Upper Back

Abdomen

Arm

Thigh

Hirsutism Score

0

NORMAL HAIR DISTRIBUTION

Validated for most ethnicities (Cut-off ≥8). Smaller thresholds may apply to certain populations (e.g. East Asian).

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026-07-17

When to Use

Primary Clinical Uses

Standardized visual assessment to quantify the severity of hirsutism in women

Fulfilling the clinical hyperandrogenism criteria for the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Monitoring therapeutic response to anti-androgen treatments or oral contraceptives

Patient Context

Hirsutism (excess terminal hair in a male-pattern distribution) is distinct from hypertrichosis (generalized excess hair everywhere). The FG score exclusively targets androgen-sensitive regions to differentiate the two.

How it Works

Scoring Logic

Evaluates terminal (dark, coarse) hair growth across 9 androgen-sensitive body areas. Each area is assigned a score from 0 (no terminal hair) to 4 (extensive visible hair). Maximum score is 36.

The 9 Assessment Areas

Upper Lip	0-4 points
Chin	0-4 points
Chest	0-4 points
Upper Back	0-4 points
Lower Back	0-4 points
Upper Abdomen	0-4 points
Lower Abdomen	0-4 points
Upper Arms	0-4 points
Thighs	0-4 points

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026-07-17

In Recent Clinical News

Scanning Medical Journals

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Ferriman-Gallwey Score

Modified Ferriman-Gallwey

0

When to Use

Primary Clinical Uses

Patient Context

How it Works

Scoring Logic

The 9 Assessment Areas

Clinical Pearls

Key Nuances

Modifications

Next Steps

Interpretation and Action

The Evidence

Landmark References

Clinical assessment of body hair growth in women.

Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Origins & History

Creators

In Recent Clinical News

Ferriman-Gallwey Score

Modified Ferriman-Gallwey

0

When to Use

Primary Clinical Uses

Patient Context

How it Works

Scoring Logic

The 9 Assessment Areas

Clinical Pearls

Key Nuances

Modifications

Next Steps

Interpretation and Action

The Evidence

Landmark References

Clinical assessment of body hair growth in women.

Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Origins & History

Creators

In Recent Clinical News