TLDR Finasteride reduces hairiness and androgen levels in women with unexplained excessive hair growth.
This study from 1995 evaluated the effects of finasteride on hirsutism score, basal gonadotropin, and androgen secretion in women with idiopathic hirsutism. The study found that long-term treatment with finasteride reduced hirsutism score and androgen serum levels in patients with idiopathic hirsutism. However, there were no significant changes in estrogen, SHBG, or gonadotropin serum levels. The study suggests that finasteride may provide an acceptable medical therapy for hirsute women.
54 citations
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February 1993 in “Endocrine reviews” Androgen conjugates might be better indicators of skin sensitivity to hormones in women with excessive hair growth.
147 citations
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April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Finasteride safely lowers DHT levels without affecting testosterone.
53 citations
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May 1986 in “Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism” Androgens like testosterone affect hair growth and oil production differently across body parts and individuals.
179 citations
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May 1982 in “The Journal of clinical investigation/The journal of clinical investigation” High levels of 3 alpha-diol glucuronide in the blood are a marker of increased androgen action in women with excessive hair growth of unknown cause.
70 citations
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August 1995 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride reduces hairiness and androgen levels in women with unexplained excessive hair growth.
32 citations
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January 1990 in “Clinical Endocrinology” Women with female pattern hair loss have higher levels of certain androgens, suggesting increased androgen exposure to hair follicles.
135 citations
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March 1984 in “Fertility and sterility” Higher levels of unbound testosterone are linked to increased insulin resistance, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
