Comparison of Finasteride Versus Spironolactone in the Treatment of Idiopathic Hirsutism
December 1997
in “
Fertility and Sterility
”
TLDR Finasteride reduces hair growth better, but spironolactone has more side effects.
This document summarizes various studies comparing the effectiveness of finasteride and spironolactone in treating idiopathic hirsutism in women. Both drugs were found to be effective in reducing hair growth, but spironolactone had more side effects. Finasteride was more effective in reducing hair growth, but increased serum testosterone levels. Spironolactone reduced testosterone levels but caused menstrual irregularity in some patients. The choice of drug should be based on the location of hair growth and cost-benefit ratio. Further studies are needed to find the best approach to treating idiopathic hirsutism.