Clinical and Endocrine Effects of Finasteride, a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, in Women with Idiopathic Hirsutism

    August 1995 in “ Fertility and Sterility
    L. Ciotta, Antonio Cianci, Aldo E. Calogero, Marco Palumbo, E Marletta, Anna Sciuto, Giuseppe A. Palumbo
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    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.
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