Comparison of Cyproterone Acetate Plus Ethinyl Estradiol and Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

June 1998 in “ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ”

Yusuf Şahin, Fahri Bayram, Fahrettin Kelestimur, Iptisam Ipek Muderris

cyproterone acetate ethinyl estradiol finasteride hirsutism androgen levels Propecia

From the encyclopedia

Cyproterone →

a synthetic anti-androgen and weak progestogen that inhibits DHT binding to androgen receptor

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Studysummary In this study, both cyproterone acetate-estrogen combination (Diane®) and finasteride were effective in reducing hirsutism, but Diane® showed greater long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document is a compilation of references related to the treatment of hirsutism. Several studies compared the effectiveness of two treatments, cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol and finasteride, in reducing hirsutism scores and androgen levels. Both treatments were found to be effective, but cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol was generally more effective in reducing hirsutism scores and androgen levels. However, both treatments had potential side effects and individual patient characteristics should be considered when choosing a treatment. One study found that finasteride may be a good alternative for treating hirsutism. Another study found that cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol was more effective and cost-effective than finasteride.

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Research cited in this study

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Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

research Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

75 citations , November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that finasteride effectively reduced hirsutism in women during 12 months of treatment, with some effects persisting in the majority after stopping the medication.

research Clinical Review 73: Medical Treatment of Androgen-Dependent Hirsutism

24 citations , September 1995 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This article discusses the combination of mechanical hair removal and medication use for hirsutism improvement, noting that no drugs are approved for this condition in North America, and calls for well-designed comparative studies.

research Clinical and Endocrine Effects of Finasteride, a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, in Women with Idiopathic Hirsutism

70 citations , August 1995 in “Fertility and Sterility”

In this study, women with idiopathic hirsutism who took finasteride for 9 months experienced a significant reduction in hirsutism scores compared to those receiving a placebo, with minimal side effects.

research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Finasteride to Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsute Women

52 citations , January 1995 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study observed that finasteride and spironolactone both led to a similar significant, but limited, improvement in hirsutism despite their differing effects on androgen levels.

research Clinical and Hormonal Effects of the 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism

33 citations , October 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that finasteride treatment significantly reduced hirsutism scores in women with idiopathic hirsutism over 6 months and was well tolerated.

research Effects of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens and Gonadotropin Secretion in Hirsute Women

22 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that three months of oral finasteride treatment significantly decreased dihydrotestosterone levels and hair growth in hirsute women without negatively affecting gonadotropin secretion.

research Finasteride

187 citations , January 1994 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.

research Finasteride: The First 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

23 citations , July 1993 in “Pharmacotherapy”

Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and baldness, but may cause limited urinary improvement and sex-related side effects.

research Finasteride: The First 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor

34 citations , July 1993 in “PubMed”

This article reviews the characteristics and uses of finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia, noting variable symptom improvement and ongoing investigation in other DHT-mediated conditions, and reports no new clinical results.