Chronic Treatment Regimens for Hirsutism in Women: Effect on Blood Production Rates of Testosterone and on Hair Growth

Twenty-five women with hirsutism were treated to suppress testosterone production from adrenals, ovaries, or both. Their mean basal plasma testosterone was significantly higher than that of normal women. After 4 months, betamethasone therapy reduced the mean production rate (PR) of testosterone from 509 μg/24 h to 356 μg/24 h, anovulatory steroids reduced it from 612 μg/24 h to 345 μg/24 h, and the combination therapy reduced it from 528 μg/24 h to 148 μg/24 h. The combination therapy moderately reduced hair growth in six out of ten patients. Fourteen patients reported improvement in hirsutism, and all thirteen with acne showed improvement. Clinical benefits did not always correlate with testosterone reduction, but the treatments were well-tolerated and could be used for longer trials.