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

April 2003 in “ Fertility and Sterility ”

Franco Lumachi, R Rondinone

cyproterone acetate finasteride spironolactone idiopathic hirsutism Ferriman-Gallwey score 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

Spironolactone →

powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

Studysummary This study found that while cyproterone acetate, finasteride, and spironolactone had similar short-term effects in treating idiopathic hirsutism, spironolactone provided more lasting benefits one year after treatment.

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

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cyproterone acetate, finasteride, and spironolactone in treating idiopathic hirsutism. The study involved 41 women who were randomly assigned to receive one of the three treatments for 12 months. The Ferriman-Gallwey score was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. The study found that all three treatments were similarly effective in reducing hirsutism, but spironolactone was more effective in the long term. The study concluded that different medical therapies, alone and in combination, can be used to treat idiopathic hirsutism.

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Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

113 citations , April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that all four treatments—flutamide, finasteride, ketoconazole, and EE-CPA—significantly reduced hirsutism, but EE-CPA and flutamide appeared most effective, with varying effects on androgen levels and side-effect profiles.

research Effect of Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism

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

This study reported that 6 months of finasteride treatment significantly improved idiopathic hirsutism in women, with benefits persisting 6 months post-treatment and no adverse reactions observed.

research Comparison of Finasteride Versus Spironolactone in the Treatment of Idiopathic Hirsutism

76 citations , December 1997 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that spironolactone was significantly more effective than finasteride in reducing hirsutism scores over 9 months, despite more side effects occurring in the spironolactone group.

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 Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism: New Therapeutic Perspectives

50 citations , July 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that finasteride significantly reduced hirsutism scores in women with idiopathic hirsutism and PCOS, despite no changes in serum androgen levels.

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 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 Cyproterone Acetate for Severe Hirsutism: Results of a Double-Blind Dose-Ranging Study

94 citations , July 1991 in “Clinical endocrinology”

In this study, cyproterone acetate at 2 mg daily was found to be as effective as higher doses in reducing hair growth for hirsute women over 12 months.

research Hair Follicles and Associated Glands as Androgen Targets

53 citations , May 1986 in “Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism”

This review discusses the influence of androgens on hair and sebaceous growth, emphasizing that response may depend more on peripheral sensitivity than on hormone levels; it reports no new empirical results.

research Effect of Oral Cyproterone Acetate on Hair Density, Diameter, and Endocrine Factors in Women with Idiopathic Hirsutism

14 citations , January 1980 in “Dermatology”

In this study, oral cyproterone acetate reduced hair density and diameter in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but the effects were not permanent after stopping treatment, and plasma androgen levels remained unchanged.