Effect of Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism

November 1998 in “ Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ”

Emanuela Faloia, Filipponi S, Valentina Mancini, S. Di Marco, Franco Mantero

finasteride idiopathic hirsutism 5α-reductase hirsutism Propecia

Studysummary 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.

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

The study evaluated the effectiveness of finasteride in treating idiopathic hirsutism in women. The treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction in hair growth. Finasteride may be an effective treatment option for idiopathic hirsutism. The study found that finasteride was effective in reducing hirsutism in 14 female patients with no reported side effects. The improvement was observed after 6 months of therapy, suggesting that increased 5α-reductase activity may play a role in excessive hair growth in idiopathic hirsutism. The study suggests that adequate contraception is necessary when using 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 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 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.

The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

research The Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Scalp Skin Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Concentrations in Patients with Male Pattern Baldness

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

This study found that 4 weeks of finasteride treatment significantly decreased DHT levels in bald scalp to levels similar to hair-containing scalp in men with male pattern baldness.

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 Hepatotoxicity Complicating Flutamide Treatment of Hirsutism

43 citations , December 1993 in “Annals of internal medicine”

This letter discusses the first reported case of serious liver damage linked to the use of flutamide for hirsutism in a woman, highlighting a potential risk for hepatotoxicity with this treatment.

research Finasteride

86 citations , July 1993 in “Drugs”

Finasteride treats enlarged prostate, shrinks it, improves urination, but may cause sexual dysfunction and isn't for women or children.

research Azasteroids as Inhibitors of Testosterone 5α-Reductase in Mammalian Skin

34 citations , February 1993 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology/The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology”

This study found that 4-MA is a potent inhibitor of testosterone 5α-reductase in human tissues, promising potential for treating androgen-dependent skin conditions like male pattern baldness.

research Structure of Human Type II 5 Alpha-Reductase Gene

124 citations , September 1992 in “Endocrinology”

This article discusses the structure of the human type II 5 alpha-reductase gene and reports no new experimental results.

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 Side Effects of Spironolactone Therapy in the Hirsute Woman

80 citations , January 1988 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study observed that high-dose spironolactone frequently caused metrorrhagia in women with idiopathic hirsutism, leading the authors to suggest lower starting doses or additional hormonal therapy.

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 Female Hirsutism: Pathophysiological Considerations and Therapeutic Implications

53 citations , October 1984 in “Endocrine reviews”

This review highlights that idiopathic hirsutism is characterized by local hyperandrogenization affecting hair growth, without other signs of hyperandrogenism, and shows no new results; racial differences in prevalence are noted but not in androgenic steroids.

research Effect of Cyproterone Acetate on Rate of Hair Growth in Hirsute Females

26 citations , December 1981 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This study observed that most hirsute patients on combined cyproterone acetate and 'Diane' therapy experienced a reduction in hair growth, with hair becoming softer, thinner, and lighter in color over 12 months.