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

The study observed that 28 out of 30 patients undergoing prolonged intravenous tocolytic therapy with Fenoterol experienced increased hair growth across the entire body, excluding specific areas like the Linea alba and beard. In contrast, only 6.4% of a control group of 384 pregnant women reported increased hair growth, with 2.8% showing android characteristics. Hormonal analysis revealed a decrease in Testosterone and an initial drop followed by a slight increase in Androstandiol during the third week of therapy, while ACTH and Cortisol levels remained stable. The findings suggested that the enhanced hair growth was not due to increased androgen metabolites but rather a heightened metabolic activity in the hair follicles.