Endocrine Evaluation of Hirsutism

    June 2015 in “ International Journal of Women's Dermatology ”
    John Mihailidis, Racha Dermesropian, Pamela Taxel, Pooja Luthra, Jane M. Grant‐Kels
    From the encyclopedia
    Cyproterone →

    a synthetic anti-androgen and weak progestogen that inhibits DHT binding to androgen receptor

    Spironolactone →

    powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

    Finasteride →

    Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

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    Studysummary This article reviews hirsutism from an endocrine perspective and reports no new clinical findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    The 2015 article on hirsutism, a condition of excessive male-pattern hair growth in women, highlights that it affects 5 to 10% of women of reproductive age and is often linked to androgen excess, with PCOS being the most common cause. The article underscores the modest correlation between androgen levels and hair growth and suggests a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, including history, physical examination, and biochemical evaluation, especially for moderate to severe cases. Treatment options discussed include oral contraceptives like cyproterone acetate, which showed a 35% median decline in FG score, and antiandrogen therapies such as spironolactone, finasteride, and flutamide, which are effective but must be used cautiously due to side effects. Metformin and nonpharmacologic treatments are also mentioned as part of a patient-centered management plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of hirsutism.
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