Comparison of High-Dose Finasteride (5 mg/day) Versus Low-Dose Finasteride (2.5 mg/day) in the Treatment of Hirsutism

October 2002 in “ European journal of endocrinology ”

Fahri Bayram, Muderris, Mehmet Güven, Fahrettin Kelestimur

Studysummary This study found that both high-dose and low-dose finasteride significantly reduced hirsutism scores in women after 12 months, with the lower dose being safe and cost-effective. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study compared the effectiveness and safety of high-dose (5 mg/day) and low-dose (2.5 mg/day) finasteride in treating hirsutism in women. Both doses were found to be effective in reducing hirsutism scores at 6 and 12 months, with similar reductions in both groups. The low-dose finasteride was found to be as effective as the high-dose finasteride used in previous studies. The study concluded that low-dose finasteride is safe and cost-effective in treating hirsutism and may be used instead of high-dose finasteride therapy.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Finasteride Treatment for One Year in 35 Hirsute Patients

27 citations , July 2009 in “Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes”

This study found that finasteride significantly improved hirsutism scores in women over 12 months and was well-tolerated with no serious side effects.

research Comparison of Diane 35 and Diane 35 Plus Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

63 citations , March 2001 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that Diane 35 combined with finasteride led to a greater reduction in hirsutism scores over 12 months compared to Diane 35 alone.

research Management of Hirsutism

55 citations , March 2000 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

Antiandrogens, particularly flutamide and CPA, are most effective for treating hirsutism, with long-term use needed for best results.

research Comparison of Finasteride Versus Flutamide in the Treatment of Hirsutism

75 citations , October 1999 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This study found that both finasteride and flutamide effectively reduce hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism, but flutamide was more effective.

A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

113 citations , April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

This study found that all four treatments—flutamide, finasteride, ketoconazole, and EE-CPA—significantly reduced hirsutism, but EE-CPA and flutamide appeared most effective, with varying effects on androgen levels and side-effect profiles.

research Comparison of Cyproterone Acetate Plus Ethinyl Estradiol and Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

49 citations , June 1998 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation”

In this study, both cyproterone acetate-estrogen combination (Diane®) and finasteride were effective in reducing hirsutism, but Diane® showed greater long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

research Outcome of Long-Term Treatment with the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride in Idiopathic Hirsutism: Clinical and Hormonal Effects During a 1-Year Course of Therapy and 1-Year Follow-Up

75 citations , November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that finasteride effectively reduced hirsutism in women during 12 months of treatment, with some effects persisting in the majority after stopping the medication.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism: New Therapeutic Perspectives

50 citations , July 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility”

This study found that finasteride significantly reduced hirsutism scores in women with idiopathic hirsutism and PCOS, despite no changes in serum androgen levels.

research Clinical Review 73: Medical Treatment of Androgen-Dependent Hirsutism

24 citations , September 1995 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This article discusses the combination of mechanical hair removal and medication use for hirsutism improvement, noting that no drugs are approved for this condition in North America, and calls for well-designed comparative studies.

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 Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone

183 citations , March 1982 in “JAMA”

This study reported that spironolactone at 200 mg/day significantly improved facial hair growth in women with hirsutism and showed a sustained reduction in ovarian androgens over one year.

research Use of Cyproterone Acetate in the Treatment of Acne, Hirsutism, and Virilism

232 citations , June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry”

In this study, a treatment regimen combining cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol significantly improved acne and seborrhoea in most women after three months, but had varied effects on hirsutism and alopecia.