66 citations
,
September 2008 in “Dermatologic therapy” The conclusion is that the best initial treatment for hirsutism is usually oral contraceptives, with the addition of antiandrogens or insulin sensitizers if needed, and topical eflornithine or laser treatments as supplementary options.
121 citations
,
April 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Insulin sensitizers may slightly reduce hirsutism but are less effective than other treatments.
150 citations
,
April 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Antiandrogens are somewhat effective in reducing excessive hair growth in women.
75 citations
,
November 2007 in “Clinical endocrinology” Certain medications including flutamide, spironolactone, and others effectively reduce excessive hair growth in women, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.
20 citations
,
April 2005 in “Current Medicinal Chemistry” New compounds show promise for treating hair loss, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer, with some being more effective and having different side effects than current treatments.
45 citations
,
March 2005 in “Steroids” Four new compounds were more effective than finasteride in treating prostate issues and hair loss, with one being 100 times more active and safe for use.
2 citations
,
June 2004 in “Expert review of pharmacoeconomics & outcomes research” Cheap treatments for excessive hair growth in women can improve symptoms by 35-40% after one year.
195 citations
,
May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology” Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.
56 citations
,
April 2003 in “Fertility and Sterility” All three treatments reduce hirsutism, but spironolactone works best long-term.
115 citations
,
January 2001 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Eflornithine cream effectively reduces women's unwanted facial hair but hair returns if treatment stops.
55 citations
,
March 2000 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Antiandrogens, particularly flutamide and CPA, are most effective for treating hirsutism, with long-term use needed for best results.
22 citations
,
March 2000 in “Clinical endocrinology” Most patients experienced hirsutism again after stopping hormone treatment, indicating long-term treatment is needed to maintain results.
10 citations
,
January 2000 in “PubMed” Both finasteride and GnRH agonist treatments reduced hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but GnRH agonist was more effective.
57 citations
,
June 1999 in “Dermatologic surgery” Laser hair removal was a significant new method for getting rid of unwanted hair in 1999.
113 citations
,
April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Cyproterone acetate-estrogen most effective for hirsutism, but consider side effects and patient needs.
76 citations
,
December 1997 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride reduces hair growth better, but spironolactone has more side effects.
49 citations
,
April 1997 in “Human reproduction” Hormone therapy for excessive hair growth is as good with GnRHa as with high-dose CPA, but GnRHa has longer-lasting results.
75 citations
,
November 1996 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride effectively reduces hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism, but requires careful contraception during treatment.
132 citations
,
October 1995 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Electrolysis is effective for permanent hair removal, but technique is key to avoid scarring, and sometimes hormonal treatment is needed for women with hirsutism.
24 citations
,
September 1995 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Medication and hair removal methods can improve hirsutism, but no drugs were specifically approved for it in North America as of 1995.
70 citations
,
August 1995 in “Fertility and Sterility” Finasteride reduces hairiness and androgen levels in women with unexplained excessive hair growth.
