The Effects of Benzodiazepines on Hormones in Women with Idiopathic Hirsutism

In a single blind study conducted 40 years ago, 18 women with idiopathic hirsutism were given a placebo for one month followed by four months of benzodiazepine treatment (chlorazepate 15 mg or diazepam 10 mg nightly). Plasma samples were collected and hair growth was assessed monthly. After four months of benzodiazepine therapy, there was a significant increase in sex hormone binding globulin and a significant decrease in dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in the follicular phase plasma samples compared to the placebo phase. However, no significant effects on hair growth were observed. The study suggested that a longer treatment period might be necessary to see the effects of benzodiazepines on hirsutism and recommended further research to determine the impact of benzodiazepines on hormonal parameters in both normal men and women.