Medical Treatment of Hirsutism

September 2008 in “ Dermatologic therapy ”

Ulrike Blume‐Peytavi, Susanne Hahn

hirsutism polycystic ovary syndrome idiopathic drug-induced hormonal imbalances oral contraceptives antiandrogenic properties antiandrogen insulin sensitizers hyperandrogenism insulin resistance topical eflornithine laser photoepilation PCOS birth control pills Vaniqa

Studysummary This review discusses medical treatments for hirsutism, focusing on oral contraceptives and other therapies, but reports no new results; the authors emphasize the lack of evidence for insulin sensitizers in treating hirsutism alone.

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

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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Research cited in this study

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research Insulin Sensitizers for the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

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research A Systematic Review of Commonly Used Medical Treatments for Hirsutism in Women

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research A Randomized Bilateral Vehicle-Controlled Study of Eflornithine Cream Combined with Laser Treatment Versus Laser Treatment Alone for Facial Hirsutism in Women

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This study found that adding topical eflornithine to laser hair removal significantly improved the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women over a 6-month period, compared to laser treatment alone.

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947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

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research The Effect of Metformin on Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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

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

This study found that eflornithine 15% cream reduced unwanted facial hair growth more effectively than a placebo in women with hirsutism, but hair growth returned to pretreatment levels within 8 weeks of stopping treatment.

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75 citations , October 1999 in “European journal of endocrinology”

This study found that both finasteride and flutamide effectively reduce hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or idiopathic hirsutism, but flutamide was more effective.

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A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

113 citations , April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

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132 citations , October 1995 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This report concludes that the blend method is the most effective electrolysis technique for permanent hair removal, requiring proper technique and preparation such as shaving before treatment to increase efficacy.

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12 citations , November 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

The document explains that hirsutism, often caused by hormonal issues, can be managed with treatment to improve both physical appearance and mental health.