Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss
August 2013
in “Springer eBooks”
TLDR Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
The 2013 document outlines the management of hirsutism, acne, and hair loss in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It highlights the use of combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and anti-androgen agents as common treatments for these symptoms. For hirsutism, anti-androgens like spironolactone, flutamide, and finasteride are effective, with studies showing significant decreases in symptoms. Cyproterone acetate is also effective but not available in the US. For acne, OCPs with low androgenic progestins are beneficial, and a study of 30 women showed a 77% resolution of acne with a biphasic OCP. Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are FDA-approved for hair loss, with minoxidil improving hair growth in women with androgenic alopecia. The document also discusses the use of laser therapy and notes that while low-level light therapy for hair loss is gaining popularity, its efficacy is not well-supported. Hair transplantation is a permanent solution for hair loss, but ongoing medical therapy is recommended post-transplant.
View this study on link.springer.com →
Cited in this study
research An Approach to the Patient with Hirsutism
The document concludes with guidance for doctors on diagnosing and treating hirsutism effectively and safely.
research Minoxidil Use in Dermatology, Side Effects and Recent Patents
Minoxidil treats hair loss, promotes growth, has side effects, and has recent patents.
research Consensus on women’s health aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): the Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group
Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
research Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism: a consensus statement by the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society
Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
research Current Status of Hair Restoration Surgery
In 2011, hair restoration was a specialized field in plastic surgery, using techniques like "Ultrarefined follicular unit hair transplantation" to minimize scarring and promote hair growth, with future treatments like stem cell therapy and hair cloning still being tested.
research Non polycystic ovary syndrome–related endocrine disorders associated with hirsutism
Hirsutism can be caused by various conditions besides PCOS, and it's important to treat the underlying issue and manage symptoms with medication and cosmetic approaches.
research Laser Hair Reduction and Removal
Laser hair removal is effective for dark hair but needs improvement for nonpigmented or fine hairs.
research Ovarian morphology and prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in reproductive aged women with or without mild acne
Women with mild acne are more likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than those without acne.
research Contemporary Hair Transplantation
Modern hair transplants use small grafts for a natural look and drugs to prevent further loss, with high patient satisfaction.
research Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne
Spironolactone may reduce excessive hair growth in women but its effectiveness for acne is not supported.
research Hair Loss in Women
Effective hair loss treatment in women requires correct diagnosis and can include medications like minoxidil, antiandrogens, and treatments for underlying conditions like PCOS.
research The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society criteria for the polycystic ovary syndrome: the complete task force report
The report concludes that PCOS is mainly a condition of excess male hormones and its definition may change as new information is discovered.
research Medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss
Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.
research Hormonal Therapy for Acne
Hormonal treatments, including birth control and antiandrogens, can effectively treat acne in women.
research Use of ethinylestradiol/drospirenone combination in patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome
The birth control combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone helps treat symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
research Treatment of hirsutism and acne in hyperandrogenism
Medicines that lower androgen levels and hair removal treatments help manage excessive hair and acne in women with PCOS.
research Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss
Finasteride with oral contraceptive helps improve hair loss in premenopausal women.
research Relative Prevalence of Different Androgen Excess Disorders in 950 Women Referred because of Clinical Hyperandrogenism
Most women referred for excess male hormone symptoms had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with other conditions being less common.
research Treatment of female pattern hair loss with oral antiandrogens
Oral antiandrogens effectively treat female hair loss, with better results in higher hair loss grades.
research A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss
5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.
research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients
Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.
research Revised 2003 consensus on diagnostic criteria and long-term health risks related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
research Cyproterone acetate for hirsutism
Cyproterone acetate with estradiol may subjectively improve excessive hair growth in women, but it's not clinically better than other treatments.
research Treatment of hyperandrogenic alopecia in women
Flutamide may slightly improve hair loss in women, but finasteride does not work.
research Approach to the adult female patient with diffuse nonscarring alopecia
The document concludes that careful evaluation is key to diagnose and treat women with hair loss, with tests for thyroid, iron, and hormones as needed.
research Hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism: Four cases responding to finasteride
Finasteride improves hair loss in women with hyperandrogenism.
research Hair density, hair diameter and the prevalence of female pattern hair loss
FPHL affects hair density and diameter, causing visible hair loss in older women.
research The Biology of Hair Follicles
Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.
research A prospective randomized trial comparing finasteride to spironolactone in the treatment of hirsute women
research Androgenetic Alopecia in the Female
2% topical minoxidil effectively treats female hair loss with minimal side effects.
research USE OF TOPICAL MINOXIDIL THERAPY FOR ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA IN WOMEN
Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.
research Use of spironolactone in treatment of hirsutism
Spironolactone may reduce excessive hair growth in women.
research The effect of spironolactone on genital skin 5α-reductase activity
Spironolactone reduces the enzyme activity that converts testosterone to DHT, helping treat excessive hair growth in women.
research EFFECTS OF A LOW‐DOSE DESOGESTREL‐ETHINYLESTRADIOL COMBINATION ON HIRSUTISM, ANDROGENS AND SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN IN WOMEN WITH A POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Low-dose oral contraceptives reduced hair growth and testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
research THE TREATMENT OF HIRSUTISM WITH A COMBINATION OF DESOGESTREL AND ETHINYL OESTRADIOL
A combination of desogestrel and ethinyl oestradiol effectively reduces hair growth in hirsute women.
research Classification of the types of androgenetic alopecia (common baldness) occurring in the female sex
Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.
Related
research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss
Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
research Polycystic ovary syndrome and acne.
Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.