Treatment of Hirsutism with 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

May 1986 in “ Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism ”

J. R. Brooks

5α-reductase inhibitors 4-azasteroids androgens testosterone dihydrotestosterone DHT hirsutism 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors testosterone DHT

TLDR New compounds may soon be tested to treat excessive hair growth in women.

Studies have indicated that 5α-reduced androgens play a significant role in hirsutism, but until recently, there was no effective 5α-reductase inhibitor available to test this theory in treatment. However, a class of compounds known as 4-azasteroids has been discovered to have strong 5α-reductase inhibitory activity both in vitro and in vivo. These compounds have shown to have little affinity for androgen receptors, reduce the growth effect of testosterone (T) on rat prostate, decrease dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentration in rats and dogs, and reduce prostate size with chronic treatment. It is anticipated that these inhibitors will soon be clinically tested as a treatment for hirsutism, and the outcomes of these tests are highly anticipated to improve the understanding and management of the condition.

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Research cited in this study

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research 3 Alpha, 17 Beta-Androstanediol Glucuronide in Plasma: A Marker of Androgen Action in Idiopathic Hirsutism

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User took Fin for 3 years, Dut for 7 months, and oral Min for 2 months without side effects. Fin stopped hair loss for 2 years, Dut maintained hair, and oral Min regrew thinning hair.

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A 15-year-old is concerned about hair loss, possibly at Norwood 2 or 3, and is using shampoos and conditioners recommended by a trichologist. Suggestions include considering topical minoxidil and consulting a doctor about topical anti-DHT treatments like finasteride or RU58841, but avoiding 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors at this age.

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