TLDR Excessive hair growth can be assessed by history, exam, and blood tests, and treated with medication like dexamethasone, birth control pills, and spironolactone.
The document from 1985 discusses hirsutism, which is characterized by excessive hair growth and can indicate a serious systemic disease. It suggests that hirsutism can be evaluated through a patient's history, physical examination, and blood tests. The document states that most patients with functional hirsutism show hormonal imbalances, such as increased testosterone production and clearance rates, reduced sex hormone-binding globulin levels, and heightened serum-free testosterone and hair follicle sensitivity. Effective treatments for functional hirsutism, after excluding neoplastic causes, include low-dose dexamethasone, oral contraceptives, and spironolactone.
183 citations,
March 1982 in “JAMA” Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.
26 citations,
December 1981 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Cyproterone acetate reduced hair growth in most hirsute females and made hair softer, thinner, and lighter.
124 citations,
September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Spironolactone is effective in treating excessive hair growth in women.
39 citations,
January 1980 in “Dermatology” Cyproterone acetate was effective in treating acne, hirsutism, and alopecia with few side effects.
60 citations,
September 1979 in “Fertility and sterility” Spironolactone can reduce hair growth in women with hirsutism.
39 citations,
November 1978 in “Annals of internal medicine” Spironolactone may help reduce excessive hair growth in women with high male hormone levels.
14 citations,
April 1978 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Antiandrogens can treat acne, hirsutism, and seborrhea by reducing sebum production and androgen action.
232 citations,
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.
47 citations,
March 2004 in “European journal of endocrinology” Spironolactone plus finasteride reduces hirsutism more effectively.
76 citations,
December 1997 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride reduces hair growth better, but spironolactone has more side effects.
124 citations,
September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Spironolactone is effective in treating excessive hair growth in women.
