Hirsutism and Virilization

    January 1995 in “ Postgraduate medicine ”
    Paul B. Marshburn, Bruce R. Carr
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    TLDR Excessive hair growth in women can be harmless or signal serious health issues, and treatment often includes medication and hair removal, with noticeable results after 3-6 months.
    The 1995 article addresses hirsutism, excessive hair growth in women, noting that it is often benign but can indicate serious conditions like tumors. It is frequently associated with menstrual disorders and an increased risk of endometrial cancer, commonly resulting from polycystic ovarian syndrome or increased androgen. Diagnosis focuses on excluding dangerous causes, with serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels aiding in identifying ovarian or adrenal origins. Treatment typically involves a combination of weight loss, oral contraceptives, antiandrogens like spironolactone, and mechanical hair removal methods, with surgery as an option for severe cases. Improvement is usually seen after 3 to 6 months of treatment. The authors emphasize the importance of ruling out life-threatening causes promptly, as rapid progression of hair growth can signal endocrinopathies or tumors.
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      in Female  8 upvotes 3 years ago
      27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.

      community No, Finasteride as a treatment for MPB was not an "accident"

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      Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.

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      The user experiencing diffuse hair loss is using various treatments including RU58841, finasteride, minoxidil with tretinoin, anti-hair loss shampoo, and microneedling, and is considering adding peptides TB500, BPC157, and GHK-Cu. They have low growth hormone levels and are questioning its impact on hair loss, while another user suggests androgenic alopecia and androgens are likely the main cause of hair loss.

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