Cyproterone Acetate as Initial Treatment and Maintenance Therapy for Hirsutism

    August 1985 in “ European journal of endocrinology ”
    I. M. Holdaway, Michael Croxson, H. K. Ibbertson, Amanda Sheehan, B. S. Knox, John T. France
    Image of study
    TLDR Cyproterone acetate is effective for treating hirsutism, but some patients may feel worse on low-dose maintenance therapy.
    In a study from 1985, 34 hirsute patients were treated with 100 mg of cyproterone acetate (CA) and a combination oral contraceptive for 9 months, followed by a 12-month double-blind trial comparing low-dose CA with placebo for maintenance therapy. The initial high-dose treatment resulted in a subjective improvement in 92% of patients, with a 40% improvement in objective hirsutism grade and a 13% reduction in hair growth rate. Side effects were reported by 64% of patients, with 11% experiencing severe side effects. Upon switching to low-dose CA, there was a 33% subjective relapse rate, although objective measures of hirsutism did not significantly deteriorate. Plasma testosterone and related hormone levels significantly decreased with high-dose CA and remained low during the low-dose therapy. The study concluded that high-dose CA is effective for treating hirsutism, but a third of patients felt their condition worsened on low-dose therapy, suggesting that maintenance therapy is beneficial after initial remission with high-dose CA.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 81 results

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results
      Diagnosis and Treatments of Hirsutism: Where Are We?

      research Diagnosis and Treatments of Hirsutism: Where Are We?

      3 citations, July 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”
      Effective treatments for excessive hair growth in women include creams, laser therapy, and medications, with the choice depending on individual needs and potential side effects.
      Hirsutism: From Brazil to a Place Near You

      research Hirsutism: From Brazil to a Place Near You

      3 citations, January 2010 in “Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy”
      No treatment fully stops excessive hair growth in women, but various methods can help manage it effectively.
      Endocrine Evaluation of Hirsutism

      research Endocrine Evaluation of Hirsutism

      29 citations, February 2017 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”
      Women with excessive male-pattern hair growth should get a full hormone check-up to find and treat any underlying issues, considering both medical and emotional aspects.
      Endocrine Evaluation of Hirsutism

      research Endocrine Evaluation of Hirsutism

      5 citations, June 2015 in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”
      Hirsutism, excessive hair growth in women, is often caused by PCOS and can be managed with medication and personalized treatment plans.
      Medical Treatment of Hirsutism

      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.