TLDR Hormonal therapies, especially antiandrogens, can help manage Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
The review discusses the role of hormonal therapies in treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. It highlights the use of finasteride, cyproterone acetate, spironolactone, oral contraceptive pills, and metformin. Finasteride, a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, has shown promise in small case series, including a study of 7 patients where it reduced inflammatory lesions and prevented new ones. Another series involving children aged 6-11 also reported improvements without side effects. The review suggests that hormonal therapies, particularly antiandrogens, can be effective in managing HS, though more extensive studies are needed to determine optimal treatment durations and long-term efficacy.
4 citations,
December 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Doctors are prescribing spironolactone more often to treat acne and skin conditions in teenagers, and it seems safe and well-tolerated.
1 citations,
September 2020 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas” 34 citations,
October 2018 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hormone treatments can help with women's skin and hair disorders, but they need careful monitoring and more research.
31 citations,
June 2015 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Hormonal treatments are effective as a second-line option for moderate-to-severe acne in females, but should be used with caution due to health risks.
96 citations,
September 2008 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery” Hormonal treatments, including birth control and antiandrogens, can effectively treat acne in women.
78 citations,
January 2003 in “Dermatology” Hormonal therapy is becoming a promising treatment for acne.
11 citations,
January 1998 in “Dermatology” Spironolactone works well for acne and hirsutism, isotretinoin is very effective for acne and may have antiandrogenic effects, and 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors should be considered antiandrogens.