Treatment of Hirsutism with 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

    J. R. Brooks
    Image of study
    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.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 90 results
      FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      community FCE 28260: A Forgotten 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

      in Research  330 upvotes 3 months ago
      FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

      community NW5 at 19. How many grafts do I need?

      in Transplants  140 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 19-year-old with rapid hair loss since 16 is considering a hair transplant but refuses to take finasteride or any 5α-Reductase inhibitors. They are currently using minoxidil, tretinoin, and microneedling with a Derminator 2, and only want hair until age 27.

      community Massive study on finasteride side effects released

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  83 upvotes 1 year ago
      The release of a study on 5a-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) which showed an increased risk of depression, dementia, decreased libido, and reduced semen load as potential side effects; discussion around other forms of hair loss treatments such as topical minoxidil, RU58841, or opting to accept baldness; and advice to consider professional help for deeper issues related to hair loss.

      community Detailed 6 months update for FUE HT and 4 years of FIN-MIN journey

      in Progress Pictures  193 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 25-year-old who has been using minoxidil and finasteride for 4 years to treat hair loss, underwent a successful FUE hair transplant in Mumbai, India, in April 2023. The user reported positive results, including increased hair density and reduced frizziness, and plans to continue treatment for further growth.

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results