TLDR Medroxyprogesterone acetate iontophoresis safely and effectively reduces facial hair growth in women.
The study conducted at Military Hospital Rawalpindi over 2 years involved 30 women aged 18-30 with idiopathic facial hirsutism. It evaluated the safety and efficacy of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) administered via iontophoresis. Participants received 1 ml of a 7.5% aqueous MPA solution applied twice weekly for 16 weeks. The treatment targeted the cheeks, with the chin as a control. Results showed a significant reduction in hair length and growth rate without affecting serum androgen levels or causing significant side effects. The study concluded that MPA iontophoresis was a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for idiopathic facial hirsutism.
7 citations
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August 1985 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Medroxyprogesterone acetate injections are more effective than topical ointment in treating excessive hair growth in women.
2 citations
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January 2020 in “Clinical Dermatology Review” Idiopathic hirsutism is the most common cause of hirsutism in women, followed by PCOS.
2 citations
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December 2016 in “Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatology” Higher androgen levels are linked to more severe hair growth in hirsute women.
39 citations
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August 2004 in “International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics” Finasteride and CPA-EE2 equally reduce hirsutism, but affect hormone levels differently.
4 citations
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January 1999 in “PubMed” 1 citations
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November 1996 in “Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey” 74 citations
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December 1995 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Leuprolide plus estrogen is more effective than oral contraceptives for reducing hirsutism.
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.
Spironolactone was effective in reducing hair growth in women with hirsutism.
14 citations
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January 1980 in “Dermatology” Cyproterone acetate temporarily reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism but doesn't change hormone levels.