Treatment of Hirsutism

January 2009 in “ Gynecological endocrinology ”

Duru Shah, Sukhpreet Patel

hirsutism anti-androgens oral contraceptives insulin-sensitizing agents hair removal techniques

TLDR Hirsutism can be treated with medications or hair removal methods, tailored to each person.

The document discussed hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive terminal hair growth in women in patterns typically seen in men, which was a common and distressing issue for women of reproductive age. It explored various treatment options, including pharmacological therapies like anti-androgens, oral contraceptives, and insulin-sensitizing agents, as well as non-pharmacological methods such as hair removal techniques. The effectiveness and side effects of these treatments were evaluated, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment plans based on the severity of the condition and patient preferences.

View this study on tandfonline.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research Antiandrogens for the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

150 citations , February 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Antiandrogens are somewhat effective in reducing excessive hair growth in women.

research A Systematic Review of Commonly Used Medical Treatments for Hirsutism in Women

75 citations , November 2007 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Certain medications including flutamide, spironolactone, and others effectively reduce excessive hair growth in women, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.

research Treatment of Hirsutism and Acne in Hyperandrogenism

54 citations , June 2006 in “Baillière's best practice and research in clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Medicines that lower androgen levels and hair removal treatments help manage excessive hair and acne in women with PCOS.

research Antiandrogen Therapy for Skin and Hair Disease

20 citations , April 2006 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Antiandrogen therapies are beneficial for treating skin and hair conditions related to androgen levels.

research Finasteride Versus Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

39 citations , August 2004 in “International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics”

Finasteride and CPA-EE2 equally reduce hirsutism, but affect hormone levels differently.

research Medical Treatment Regimens of Hirsutism

12 citations , January 2004 in “Reproductive biomedicine online”

Low-dose anti-androgen drugs and certain drug combinations are effective for hirsutism, and insulin sensitizers show promise, especially for those with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

research Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

192 citations , September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.

research The Evaluation and Management of Hirsutism

195 citations , May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology”

Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.

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

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

Cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol is generally more effective in treating hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient characteristics.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Hirsutism: Diagnosis and Treatment

26 citations , March 2014 in “Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia”

The document concludes that proper diagnosis and combined treatments are key for hirsutism management, and weight loss may help overweight patients.

A Narrative Review on Cutaneous Manifestations in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Psychosocial Impact

research A Narrative Review on Cutaneous Manifestations in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Psychosocial Impact

March 2025 in “Annals of Medicine and Surgery”

PCOS skin symptoms need personalized treatment and psychological support to improve quality of life.

research Dermatologic Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

76 citations , January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Women with PCOS often have skin problems like excessive hair, acne, hair loss, and dark patches, which can be treated with hormonal and non-hormonal therapies.

Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

research Consensus on Women's Health Aspects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Amsterdam ESHRE/ASRM-Sponsored 3rd PCOS Consensus Workshop Group

1514 citations , December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility”

Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Trilogy: A Translational and Clinical Review

26 citations , August 2008 in “Clinical endocrinology”

The document concludes that more multidisciplinary research is needed to understand and treat PCOS, a condition that significantly affects women's health and quality of life.