Comprehensive Clinical Management of Hirsutism

March 2010 in “ Gynecological endocrinology ”

Camil Castelo-Branco, Marı́a Jesús Cancelo

TLDR New treatments for excessive hair growth in women include insulin modulators and enzyme inhibitors.

The document from 2010 discusses hirsutism, which is characterized by excessive body and facial hair growth in women in patterns typical for males, leading to psychological, cosmetic, and social issues. Treatment methods are categorized into pharmacologic, which involves interfering with androgen synthesis or inhibiting androgen effects, and non-pharmacologic, which includes mechanical methods like laser hair removal, electrolysis, depilatory creams, plucking, and waxing. Recent advancements in treatment have explored insulin modulators and ornithine decarboxylase inhibitors as potential options.

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research Medical Treatment of Hirsutism

66 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

The conclusion is that the best initial treatment for hirsutism is usually oral contraceptives, with the addition of antiandrogens or insulin sensitizers if needed, and topical eflornithine or laser treatments as supplementary options.

research The Clinical Evaluation of Hirsutism

67 citations , September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy”

Hirsutism is excessive hair growth in women often caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, and identifying the cause is important for managing associated health risks.

research Insulin Sensitizers for the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

121 citations , April 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

Insulin sensitizers may slightly reduce hirsutism but are less effective than other treatments.

research Antiandrogens for the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

150 citations , April 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Antiandrogens are somewhat effective in reducing excessive hair growth in women.

research Idiopathic Hirsutism: Excessive Bodily and Facial Hair in Women

11 citations , February 2008 in “British journal of nursing”

Idiopathic hirsutism causes excessive hair growth in women, can be treated with medication and hair removal, but cannot be fully reversed.

research Hirsutism

37 citations , December 2007 in “International journal of clinical practice”

Hirsutism is excessive male-pattern hair growth in women, often caused by hormonal imbalances, and requires ongoing treatment to manage.

research Finasteride Versus Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

39 citations , October 2004 in “International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics”

Finasteride and CPA-EE2 equally reduce hirsutism, but affect hormone levels differently.

research Intermittent Low-Dose Finasteride Is as Effective as Daily Administration for the Treatment of Hirsute Women

29 citations , September 2004 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Intermittent low-dose finasteride works as well as daily use for treating excessive hair growth in women.

research Relative Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Treatment of Hirsutism

29 citations , June 2004 in “Annals of Pharmacotherapy”

Finasteride reduces hirsutism effectively with fewer side effects but is a second-choice treatment due to safety concerns.

research A Comparison Between Spironolactone and Spironolactone Plus Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

47 citations , March 2004 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Spironolactone plus finasteride reduces hirsutism more effectively.

research Low-Dose (2.5 mg/Day) Finasteride Treatment in Hirsutism

18 citations , October 2003 in “Gynecological Endocrinology”

Low-dose finasteride effectively reduces hirsutism without serious side-effects.

research Use of Cyproterone Acetate, Finasteride, and Spironolactone to Treat Idiopathic Hirsutism

56 citations , April 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility”

All three treatments reduce hirsutism, but spironolactone works best long-term.

research The Benefits of Finasteride for Hirsute Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Idiopathic Hirsutism

40 citations , February 2003 in “Gynecological Endocrinology”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism.

research Comparison of High-Dose Finasteride (5 mg/day) Versus Low-Dose Finasteride (2.5 mg/day) in the Treatment of Hirsutism

51 citations , October 2002 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Low-dose finasteride effectively treats hirsutism, is safe, and cost-effective.

research Managing Cutaneous Manifestations of Hyperandrogenic Disorders

22 citations , January 2002 in “Treatments in endocrinology”

Birth control pills help treat skin and hair growth problems linked to high male hormone levels.

research Comparison of Diane 35 and Diane 35 Plus Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

63 citations , March 2001 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Diane 35 plus finasteride is more effective for treating hirsutism.

research Hormonal Therapy in Dermatology

24 citations , January 2001 in “Dermatologic clinics”

Hormonal therapy is a treatment option for acne, the only medical treatment for hirsutism, and the most promising for androgenetic alopecia.

research Topical Eflornithine: Efficacy in Reducing Unwanted Facial Hair Growth in Women

115 citations , January 2001 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

Eflornithine cream effectively reduces women's unwanted facial hair but hair returns if treatment stops.

research A Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Flutamide (250 mg/d) and Finasteride (5 mg/d) in the Treatment of Hirsutism

50 citations , May 2000 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Flutamide reduces hair growth better but has more side effects.

research Comparison of Finasteride and Flutamide in the Treatment of Idiopathic Hirsutism

32 citations , July 1999 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride and flutamide both reduce hair growth, but finasteride has fewer side effects.

research Effect of Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism

27 citations , November 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation”

Finasteride significantly reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism.

research Electrolysis: Observations from 13 Years and 140,000 Hours of Experience

132 citations , October 1995 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Electrolysis is effective for permanent hair removal, but technique is key to avoid scarring, and sometimes hormonal treatment is needed for women with hirsutism.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with Flutamide and a Low-Dosage Oral Contraceptive in Polycystic Ovarian Disease Patients

20 citations , December 1994 in “Fertility and sterility”

Flutamide combined with a low-dose birth control pill effectively reduces excessive hair growth in women with polycystic ovarian disease.

research Comparison of flutamide and spironolactone in the treatment of hirsutism: a randomized controlled trial

165 citations , February 1994 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Flutamide is more effective and has fewer side effects than spironolactone for treating hirsutism.

research Use of spironolactone in treatment of hirsutism

20 citations , May 1990 in “Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine”

Spironolactone may reduce excessive hair growth in women.

research Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone

183 citations , March 1982 in “JAMA”

Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.