TLDR Antiandrogens are effective for conditions like prostate cancer and skin issues, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits and minimize side effects.
The document from 1988 detailed the use of antiandrogens in treating various conditions related to androgen activity, such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, skin issues like hirsutism, alopecia, and acne, as well as other conditions like early puberty and sexual deviations. It discussed the effectiveness of steroidal and non-steroidal antiandrogens, particularly cyproterone acetate, flutamide, and anandron, highlighting their use alone or in combination with treatments like castration or LH-RH analogs. Studies mentioned include one with 55 prostate cancer patients showing a 64% response rate to antiandrogens and another with 236 patients indicating good survival rates. Side effects were noted, such as visual impairment with anandron, and the need for larger randomized trials was emphasized, especially for confirming the utility of antiandrogens in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and dermatologic conditions. The document also pointed out the potential of topical antiandrogens to minimize side effects and the effectiveness of cyproterone acetate in various conditions, but again noted the necessity for larger studies to confirm these findings.
20 citations,
August 1987 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Aldactone was more effective in reducing hair growth in women with hirsutism than Diane, despite having less impact on hormone levels.
97 citations,
November 1986 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Antiandrogens affect androgen-dependent body functions and are used for various medical conditions, with some risks like fetus feminization, but new forms like 17α-propylmesterolone show promise for acne without systemic effects.
43 citations,
May 1986 in “Clinics in Endocrinology and Metabolism” Cyproterone acetate is effective for treating hirsutism and acne but less so for hair loss, with side effects similar to birth control pills.
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.
15 citations,
November 1983 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Testosterone increases hamster hair growth; cyproterone acetate reduces it.
24 citations,
July 1983 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Cyproterone acetate is used to treat conditions like prostate cancer, early puberty, excessive sexual drive, and female androgenization by blocking male sex hormones.
124 citations,
September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Spironolactone is effective in treating excessive hair growth in women.
232 citations,
June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Cyproterone acetate is effective for acne but less so for hirsutism and alopecia, with some side effects and quick menstrual cycle recovery after treatment.
29 citations,
October 1988 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Antiandrogens are effective for conditions like prostate cancer and skin issues, but more research is needed to confirm their benefits and minimize side effects.
