Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

December 1995 in “ Journal of women's health ”

K. Jean Lucas

finasteride 5a-reductase inhibitor hirsutism idiopathic hirsutism polycystic ovary syndrome congenital adrenal hyperplasia electrolysis Propecia PCOS CAH

Studysummary This study observed that finasteride, especially when combined with electrolysis, effectively reduced hair growth in women with hirsutism over six months.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study found that finasteride, a 5a-reductase inhibitor, was effective in reducing hair growth in women with hirsutism caused by various etiologies, including idiopathic hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and mild forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The study also found that electrolysis improved the effectiveness of finasteride. No side effects were observed. The study suggests that finasteride should be considered for use in treating hirsutism in women. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal treatment regimens and the long-term side effects of the drug in women.

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Research cited in this study

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research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Finasteride to Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsute Women

52 citations , January 1995 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study observed that finasteride and spironolactone both led to a similar significant, but limited, improvement in hirsutism despite their differing effects on androgen levels.

research Clinical and Hormonal Effects of the 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism

33 citations , October 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that finasteride treatment significantly reduced hirsutism scores in women with idiopathic hirsutism over 6 months and was well tolerated.

research Effects of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens and Gonadotropin Secretion in Hirsute Women

22 citations , September 1994 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that three months of oral finasteride treatment significantly decreased dihydrotestosterone levels and hair growth in hirsute women without negatively affecting gonadotropin secretion.

research Azasteroids as Inhibitors of Testosterone 5α-Reductase in Mammalian Skin

34 citations , February 1993 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology/The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology”

This study found that 4-MA is a potent inhibitor of testosterone 5α-reductase in human tissues, promising potential for treating androgen-dependent skin conditions like male pattern baldness.

research The Effect of Finasteride in Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

1040 citations , October 1992 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

In this study, 5 mg of finasteride per day significantly improved urinary symptoms and reduced prostate volume in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but increased the risk of sexual dysfunction.

Hair Growth Effects of Oral Administration of Finasteride, a Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Alone and in Combination with Topical Minoxidil in the Balding Stumptail Macaque

research Hair Growth Effects of Oral Administration of Finasteride, a Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Alone and in Combination with Topical Minoxidil in the Balding Stumptail Macaque

34 citations , February 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

In this study, the combination of finasteride and minoxidil significantly increased hair growth in balding male stumptail macaques compared to each drug alone.

research Ketoconazole Therapy for Women with Acne and/or Hirsutism

46 citations , August 1990 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

In this study, ketoconazole treatment improved acne in all women and reduced hirsutism in some, but it caused several side effects and requires careful monitoring.

research Effects of Finasteride (MK-906), a 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, on Circulating Androgens in Male Volunteers

147 citations , April 1990 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that finasteride significantly suppresses serum dihydrotestosterone levels at all tested doses in normal male volunteers without significant adverse effects.