Medical Treatment of Hirsutism in Women

    June 2010 in “ Current medicinal chemistry
    Franco Lumachi, Stefano M.M. Basso
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    TLDR Treating hirsutism in women often requires a mix of medications and cosmetic methods for best results.
    Hirsutism, affecting 5%-10% of women, involves excess hair growth in typical male areas and can negatively impact psychosocial well-being. Treatment options include pharmacologic regimens and cosmetic measures, guided by the patient's hormonal profile and preferences. Medical therapy aims to suppress androgen production, inhibit androgen action, and address metabolic or reproductive cancer risks. First-line pharmacological treatments include estrogen and progestin combinations, antiandrogens like cyproterone acetate and spironolactone, with finasteride, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and glucocorticoids for selected cases. Contraception is recommended with antiandrogens. Systemic therapy reduces hair growth in less than 50% of cases, often necessitating cosmetic measures. A combination of treatments typically yields satisfactory results.
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