Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment

February 1985 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Joseph C. Kvedar, Mark Gibson, Paul A. Krusinski

hirsutism testosterone sex hormone-binding globulin serum-free testosterone hair follicle sensitivity dexamethasone oral contraceptives spironolactone SHBG birth control pills

Studysummary This study reports that once neoplastic causes are excluded, functional hirsutism can be effectively treated with low-dose dexamethasone, oral contraceptives, and spironolactone.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document from 1985 discusses hirsutism, which is characterized by excessive hair growth and can indicate a serious systemic disease. It suggests that hirsutism can be evaluated through a patient's history, physical examination, and blood tests. The document states that most patients with functional hirsutism show hormonal imbalances, such as increased testosterone production and clearance rates, reduced sex hormone-binding globulin levels, and heightened serum-free testosterone and hair follicle sensitivity. Effective treatments for functional hirsutism, after excluding neoplastic causes, include low-dose dexamethasone, oral contraceptives, and spironolactone.

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research Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone

183 citations , March 1982 in “JAMA”

This study reported that spironolactone at 200 mg/day significantly improved facial hair growth in women with hirsutism and showed a sustained reduction in ovarian androgens over one year.

research Effect of Cyproterone Acetate on Rate of Hair Growth in Hirsute Females

26 citations , December 1981 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This study observed that most hirsute patients on combined cyproterone acetate and 'Diane' therapy experienced a reduction in hair growth, with hair becoming softer, thinner, and lighter in color over 12 months.

research Evaluation of Hirsutism and Hyperandrogenemia

98 citations , September 1981 in “Fertility and Sterility”

research A Novel Use of Spironolactone: Treatment of Hirsutism

124 citations , September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study found that spironolactone significantly reduced hair growth in hirsute women, with noticeable effects in 3-5 months, and decreased serum testosterone levels in all participants.

research Effect of Oral Cyproterone Acetate on Hair Density, Diameter, and Endocrine Factors in Women with Idiopathic Hirsutism

14 citations , January 1980 in “Dermatology”

In this study, oral cyproterone acetate reduced hair density and diameter in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but the effects were not permanent after stopping treatment, and plasma androgen levels remained unchanged.

research Treatment of Hirsutism, Acne, and Alopecia with Cyproterone Acetate

39 citations , January 1980 in “Dermatology”

In this study, cyproterone acetate with ethinyl estradiol effectively treated acne, hirsutism, and alopecia in women, with the highest success in acne and rare side effects similar to estrogen contraceptives.

research New Therapeutic Approach to the Hirsute Patient

60 citations , September 1979 in “Fertility and sterility”

This study found that spironolactone reduced testosterone production and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion, leading to a decrease in hair growth rate and a change in hair texture in women.

research Spironolactone Therapy for Hirsutism in a Hyperandrogenic Woman

39 citations , November 1978 in “Annals of internal medicine”

This brief report discusses spironolactone used as a treatment for hirsutism in a hyperandrogenic woman, offering no new clinical findings and focusing on its antiandrogenic properties.

research Antiandrogens and the Skin

14 citations , April 1978 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

This article reviews the effects of antiandrogens on the skin and suggests their potential in treating conditions like acne and hirsutism, but reports no new clinical results.

research Use of Cyproterone Acetate in the Treatment of Acne, Hirsutism, and Virilism

232 citations , June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry”

In this study, a treatment regimen combining cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol significantly improved acne and seborrhoea in most women after three months, but had varied effects on hirsutism and alopecia.