Increased Hair Growth Under Long-Term Tocolysis with Fenoterol Considering Testosterone, Androstanediol, Cortisol, and ACTH

The study observed that 28 out of 30 patients treated with long-term intravenous infusion of Fenoterol experienced intensive hair growth across the skin, excluding the Linea alba and beard areas. In a separate examination of 384 volunteers before delivery, 2.8% exhibited android hair growth, and 3.6% showed more intensive hair growth. Hormonal analysis during Fenoterol treatment revealed a decrease in Testosterone, a slight rise in Androstandiol after an initial fall, and unchanged levels of ACTH and Cortisol. Contrary to existing literature, no increase in plasma Cortisol was observed. The study concluded that androgen metabolites were not responsible for the hair growth, suggesting instead that it might be due to increased metabolism within the hair follicle.