TLDR Cyproterone acetate is effective for treating hirsutism and acne but less so for hair loss, with side effects similar to birth control pills.
In 1986, cyproterone acetate (CPA) was evaluated for its effectiveness in treating hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia. CPA works by competing with androgens at receptor sites, reducing circulating androgens, and suppressing ovulation, which in turn lowers plasma testosterone and androstenedione levels. It is administered orally and has a half-life of about two days, with a longer elimination time in obese patients. Clinically, CPA, combined with ethinyloestradiol, has been used to treat moderate to severe hirsutism and acne, showing a reduction in skin greasiness and hair growth after several months. It is also used for hyperandrogenization due to ovarian disorders like polycystic ovaries. The treatment is contraceptive and may have side effects similar to combined oral contraceptives. Although effective for hirsutism and acne, the response rate for androgenic alopecia is lower. Patients should be informed about the risks and monitored for metabolic impacts. The document does not provide specific numbers of study participants, so the strength of the evidence cannot be determined.
64 citations
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March 1984 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Cyproterone acetate effectively reduced hair growth in hirsute patients by lowering androgen levels and altering androgen metabolism.
40 citations
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March 1982 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Young women with diffuse hair loss may have low SHBG levels, which could lead to more active testosterone and contribute to their hair loss.
39 citations
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January 1980 in “Dermatology” Cyproterone acetate was effective in treating acne, hirsutism, and alopecia with few side effects.
66 citations
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October 1977 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Cyproterone acetate reduces hair growth and oil production.
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September 1977 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Common baldness, also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic factors and hormones called androgens.
232 citations
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June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” 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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October 2010 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks” Hormonal therapies are effective for managing hair and skin symptoms in women with PCOS.
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May 2006 in “Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes” The study examined the necessity of measuring free testosterone (FT) to assess hyperandrogenemia in women, particularly those with hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It found that calculated parameters, such as calculated free testosterone (cFT) and calculated bioavailable testosterone (cBT), were significantly increased in women with these conditions compared to controls, while measured hormone parameters showed no differences. The study suggested that calculated values could serve as more appropriate markers for assessing hyperandrogenemia, potentially replacing complex and time-consuming reference measurement procedures in clinical practice.
