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

The study involved 25 women with hirsutism and aimed to suppress testosterone production through various treatments. Basal plasma testosterone levels and metabolic clearance rates were significantly higher in these women compared to normal women. After 4 months of treatment, small dose betamethasone, anovulatory steroids, and a combination of both therapies significantly reduced testosterone production rates. The combination therapy was moderately successful in reducing hair growth in 6 out of 10 patients. Fourteen women reported improvements in hirsutism, and all 13 with acne showed improvement. Clinical benefits did not always correlate with reductions in testosterone production rates, but the treatments were well-tolerated and could be used for longer trials.