Guidance for the Management of Hirsutism

July 2005 in “ Current medical research and opinion ”

R.P.R. Dawber

hirsutism shaving depilatories waxing plucking laser intense pulsed light IPL electrolysis eflornithine Vaniqa

Studysummary This article discusses available methods for managing excessive facial hair growth in women and mentions that eflornithine 11.5% cream can reduce hair growth and the frequency of removal, but it reports no new clinical findings.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

In 2005, it was reported that approximately 80% of women experience excessive hair growth in patterns similar to those of males, with facial hair causing significant distress and potential psychological issues like anxiety and depression. Cosmetic hair removal methods such as shaving, depilatories, waxing, plucking, laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), and electrolysis were commonly used. Additionally, a topical treatment cream, eflornithine 11.5%, was noted to effectively slow hair growth, which could reduce the frequency of hair removal when used in combination with other hair removal techniques.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

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This study found that a lower maintenance dose of flutamide (125 mg/day) effectively maintained the reduction in hirsutism achieved with an initial higher dose (250 mg/day) in women, without additional side effects.

research Topical Eflornithine: Efficacy in Reducing Unwanted Facial Hair Growth in Women

115 citations , January 2001 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

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research Hair Removal by Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light Sources

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