The Benefits of Finasteride for Hirsute Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Idiopathic Hirsutism

February 2003 in “ Gynecological Endocrinology ”

Eli Marcelo Lakryc, E.L.A. Motta, J.C. Soares, Mauro Abi Haidar, G.M. de Lima, Edmund Chada Baracat

finasteride hirsutism polycystic ovary syndrome idiopathic hirsutism DHT Propecia

TLDR Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism.

This document is a summary of multiple studies that evaluated the effectiveness of finasteride in treating hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism. The studies involved a total of 88 women who were treated with finasteride for six months. The results showed that finasteride was effective in reducing hirsutism scores and DHT levels, with minimal side effects. The studies suggest that finasteride may be a viable treatment option for hirsute women with these conditions.

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11 / 11 results

research Management of Hirsutism

55 citations , March 2000 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

Antiandrogens, particularly flutamide and CPA, are most effective for treating hirsutism, with long-term use needed for best results.

research Comparison of Finasteride Versus Flutamide in the Treatment of Hirsutism

75 citations , October 1999 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Finasteride is a safe, effective treatment for hirsutism with fewer side effects.

research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

113 citations , April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Cyproterone acetate-estrogen most effective for hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient needs.

research Comparison of Cyproterone Acetate Plus Ethinyl Estradiol and Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

49 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation”

Cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol is generally more effective in treating hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient characteristics.

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75 citations , November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism: New Therapeutic Perspectives

50 citations , July 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride effectively treats hirsutism in women, but more research needed for long-term results.

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

70 citations , August 1995 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Finasteride reduces hairiness and androgen levels in women with unexplained excessive hair growth.

research Androgens and Human Hair Growth

157 citations , April 1994 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Androgens can cause hair growth in some areas and hair loss on the scalp.

research Finasteride

187 citations , 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.

research Androgen Conjugates: Physiology and Clinical Significance

54 citations , February 1993 in “Endocrine reviews”

Androgen conjugates might be better indicators of skin sensitivity to hormones in women with excessive hair growth.

research The clinical development of a 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride

211 citations , November 1990 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology”

Finasteride effectively treats BPH, but needs more trials to understand potential.

2 / 2 results

research Effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on serum gonadotropins in normal men.

30 citations , August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.

research The influence of androgens on insulin resistance

135 citations , March 1984 in “Fertility and sterility”

Higher levels of unbound testosterone are linked to increased insulin resistance, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.