Diagnosis and Therapy of Hyperandrogenism

June 1997 in “ Baillière's clinical obstetrics and gynaecology ”

Randall B. Barnes

hyperandrogenism hirsutism polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS flutamide spironolactone gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists weight loss laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery laser vaporization clomiphene citrate PCOS GnRH agonists weight loss ovarian drilling clomid

Studysummary This article discusses various diagnostic categories and treatments for hyperandrogenism, with a focus on polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new clinical findings, calling for specific treatments and lifestyle changes.

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

The document reviewed various treatments for hyperandrogenism, particularly focusing on hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Studies compared the efficacy of different medications such as flutamide, spironolactone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. Flutamide and spironolactone were found to be effective in reducing hirsutism. Weight loss was also noted to correct hormonal imbalances in obese, hyperandrogenic women. Additionally, laparoscopic ovarian electrocautery and laser vaporization improved pregnancy rates in clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS patients. The document highlighted the importance of individualized treatment plans for managing hyperandrogenism.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

18 / 18 results

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

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

This report concludes that the blend method is the most effective electrolysis technique for permanent hair removal, requiring proper technique and preparation such as shaving before treatment to increase efficacy.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Clinical and Biochemical Features

1947 citations , September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine”

This article discusses the heterogeneity of polycystic ovary syndrome, its association with insulin resistance, and its implications for long-term health, but reports no new clinical results.

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

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

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”

In this study, treatment with flutamide combined with a low-dose oral contraceptive significantly improved hirsutism in women with polycystic ovarian disease who did not respond to oral contraceptive treatment alone.

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

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

This study found that finasteride may effectively reduce hirsutism in women with idiopathic hirsutism, as evidenced by lower Ferriman-Gallwey scores and hormone levels, without significant adverse effects.

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

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

A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

research A Prospective Study of the Prevalence of Clear-Cut Endocrine Disorders and Polycystic Ovaries in 350 Patients Presenting with Hirsutism or Androgenic Alopecia

135 citations , August 1994 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

In this study of women with hirsutism or androgenic alopecia, diverse underlying endocrine disorders including polycystic ovaries and various enzyme deficiencies were detected, often associated with elevated testosterone levels.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist and Estrogen Replacement Therapy

19 citations , March 1994 in “Fertility and sterility”

This study found that treatment with a GnRH agonist and estrogen and progestin replacement significantly improved hirsutism scores and hair growth rates 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”

This study found that flutamide was more effective than spironolactone in reducing symptoms of hirsutism and related conditions in premenopausal women, with fewer discontinuations due to side effects.

research Incidence of Liver Toxicity Associated with the Use of Flutamide in Prostate Cancer Patients

116 citations , May 1992 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

This study found that flutamide-induced liver toxicity in prostate cancer patients was very rare, occurring in only 0.18% of cases with clinical manifestations, and symptoms resolved after discontinuing the drug.

research Comparison of Sequential Cyproterone Acetate/Estrogen Versus Spironolactone/Oral Contraceptive in the Treatment of Hirsutism

68 citations , May 1991 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study found that both cyproterone acetate and spironolactone effectively reduced hair diameter and plasma testosterone levels in hirsute women, with no significant differences between the two treatments.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with the Pure Antiandrogen Flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that combining flutamide with an oral contraceptive significantly reduced hirsutism, acne, and seborrhea in patients after seven months, without significant side effects.

research Differential Suppression of Testosterone and Estradiol in Hirsute Women With the Superactive Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Leuprolide

49 citations , October 1988 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”

This study found that low doses of leuprolide effectively suppressed serum estradiol and LH response, while higher doses were needed to suppress testosterone and reduce hair growth in hirsute women.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (Nafarelin)

77 citations , October 1986 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study found that nafarelin treatment significantly reduced androgen levels and improved hirsutism symptoms in women, suggesting it may be useful for managing this condition.

research The Effects of Two Doses of Spironolactone on Serum Androgens and Anagen Hair in Hirsute Women

142 citations , February 1985 in “Fertility and sterility”

This study found that spironolactone reduced serum androstenedione and anagen hair shaft diameter in hirsute patients but did not significantly alter unbound testosterone levels, suggesting its effects are primarily peripheral.

research Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone

183 citations , March 1982 in “JAMA”

This study reported that spironolactone at 200 mg/day significantly improved facial hair growth in women with hirsutism and showed a sustained reduction in ovarian androgens over one year.

research Use of Cyproterone Acetate in the Treatment of Acne, Hirsutism, and Virilism

232 citations , June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry”

In this study, a treatment regimen combining cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol significantly improved acne and seborrhoea in most women after three months, but had varied effects on hirsutism and alopecia.