TLDR Hormones affect skin aging and fat distribution, and treatments can help, but only minoxidil is proven for female hair loss.
The document discusses the role of ovarian steroids in skin and hair metabolism, body composition, and subcutaneous fat distribution, noting that imbalances can lead to issues such as obesity and cellulite, which often affect women differently than men. This has led to the emergence of aesthetic endocrinology, which explores the use of sex steroids, applied topically or orally, to mitigate aging effects on the skin, particularly after menopause. While it cannot fully restore youthful skin, estrogen treatments are suggested to slow the aging process. However, for hair loss in women, only the non-hormonal treatment minoxidil has been confirmed effective. The document also indicates potential endocrinological treatments for hirsutism, acne, and body composition changes.
50 citations,
July 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride effectively treats hirsutism in women, but more research needed for long-term results.
70 citations,
August 1995 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride reduces hairiness and androgen levels in women with unexplained excessive hair growth.
36 citations,
April 1990 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Most pregnant women experience skin changes like darkening and stretch marks, and some may have skin conditions that usually get better after giving birth.
78 citations,
May 1989 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Spironolactone effectively reduces hair growth in women with hirsutism and is generally well-tolerated.
9 citations,
October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Hair loss is caused by genetics and hormones, diagnosed through examination and biopsy, and treated with medications or surgery.
35 citations,
May 1986 in “Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism” The exact cause of increased 5α-reductase activity leading to hirsutism in women is still unknown.
142 citations,
February 1985 in “Fertility and sterility” Spironolactone reduced hair thickness and some testosterone levels in women with excessive hair growth.
22 citations,
February 2002 in “Clinics in Geriatric Medicine” Many elderly women experience unwanted facial hair and various hair loss conditions, with treatments available for each condition.
