Finasteride versus cyproterone acetate-estrogen regimens in the treatment of hirsutism
October 2004
in “International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics”
TLDR Finasteride and CPA-EE2 equally reduce hirsutism, but affect hormone levels differently.
The study compared the effectiveness of finasteride and a combination of cyproterone acetate (CPA) and ethinyl estradiol (EE2) in treating hirsutism in 40 women. Both treatments were equally effective in reducing hirsutism, but had different effects on hormone levels. Treatment with CPA plus EE2 significantly decreased serum total and free T, A, DHEAS, and DHT and increased SHBG levels, while finasteride significantly increased total T but reduced DHT levels. The study suggests that preventing the conversion of T to DHT by inhibiting 5 α-reductase activity could be a reasonable treatment in hirsutism.
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Cited in this study
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Cyproterone acetate-estrogen most effective for hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient needs.
research Treatment of hirsutism: comparisons between different antiandrogens with central and peripheral effects
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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
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Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.
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Cyproterone acetate at 2mg daily is as effective as higher doses for treating excessive hair growth in women.
research Use of cyproterone acetate (CPA) in the treatment of acne, hirsutism and virilism
Cyproterone acetate is effective for acne but less so for hirsutism and alopecia, with some side effects and quick menstrual cycle recovery after treatment.
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