Cyproterone Acetate for Hirsutism

    November 2025 in “ Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews ”
    Mushi J Matjila, Paul Andre Le Roux, Zephne M. van der Spuy
    TLDR Cyproterone acetate works similarly to other treatments for hirsutism, but more research is needed.
    This updated Cochrane review assessed the effectiveness and safety of cyproterone acetate (CPA), alone or with ethinylestradiol, in treating hirsutism in women. The review included 23 studies with 1,557 women, but most studies were small, limiting the strength of the conclusions. CPA, especially when combined with ethinylestradiol, showed no significant difference in reducing hair growth or hormone levels compared to other treatments like spironolactone, finasteride, and flutamide. However, CPA was likely more effective than spironolactone at 6 months and finasteride at 24 months. The evidence was insufficient to compare adverse effects across treatments, highlighting the need for larger, well-designed studies. The current evidence suggests CPA or spironolactone, ideally combined with ethinylestradiol, as effective treatments for unwanted hair growth.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    40 / 40 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 106 results

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results
      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.
      The Clinical Management of Hirsutism

      research The Clinical Management of Hirsutism

      30 citations , April 1997 in “European journal of endocrinology”
      The document concludes that managing hirsutism involves identifying the cause, using a scoring system for severity, combining cosmetic and medical treatments, encouraging weight loss, and providing psychological support, while noting the need for more research on drug treatments.
      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.