Studysummary This review discusses the cosmetic and health implications of hirsutism and highlights its potential link to serious underlying disorders, but it presents no new clinical findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The document from September 2004 discusses hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive hair growth, which is often caused by increased androgenic activity. Although hirsutism is typically a cosmetic concern, it can also be an early indicator of more serious conditions, such as androgen-producing tumors. The document notes that high androgen levels may lead to virilization, which includes symptoms like male pattern hair loss, clitoromegaly, a deeper voice, and increased muscle mass. Additionally, the document mentions that elevated androgens can be linked to lipoprotein abnormalities and are often found alongside other cardiovascular disease risk factors. It also highlights that hyperandrogenism is commonly associated with ovulatory issues, which can result in infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, endometrial hyperplasia, and potentially endometrial cancer.
23 citations
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March 1994 in “Fertility and sterility” This study found that oral contraceptives effectively suppressed hyperandrogenemia in most patients with hyperandrogenic-insulin-resistant acanthosis nigricans syndrome, though GnRH-a therapy was beneficial for those not responding initially.
165 citations
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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.
187 citations
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January 1994 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.
25 citations
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August 1989 in “Seminars in reproductive medicine” This article discusses the use of oral contraceptives for treating hyperandrogenism in women, reporting improvement in most patients, especially in reducing new hair growth, but presents no new clinical findings.
44 citations
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June 1985 in “Fertility and sterility” This study suggests that combination drug therapy with spironolactone and either oral contraceptives or dexamethasone effectively manages unresponsive hirsutism, with eight of nine patients achieving satisfactory clinical responses.
183 citations
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March 1982 in “JAMA” This study reported that spironolactone at 200 mg/day significantly improved facial hair growth in women with hirsutism and showed a sustained reduction in ovarian androgens over one year.
98 citations
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September 1981 in “Fertility and Sterility”
