Medical Treatment of Hirsutism

    September 2008 in “ Dermatologic therapy ”
    Ulrike Blume‐Peytavi, Susanne Hahn
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    TLDR 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.
    The document from 2008 discusses the medical treatment of hirsutism, which is often caused by conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, and can also be idiopathic or drug-induced. The goal of treatment is to correct hormonal imbalances, reduce hair growth, and improve appearance, thus enhancing the patient's quality of life. The recommended first-line treatment for most women is monotherapy with oral contraceptives that possess antiandrogenic properties. If hirsutism does not improve sufficiently after 6-9 months, combining an oral contraceptive with an antiandrogen is advised. Insulin sensitizers have been found effective for hirsutism in the context of hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, but not for hirsutism alone. Additionally, topical eflornithine can be used as an adjunct to systemic medications or laser/photoepilation treatments for hirsutism.
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