New Treatments of Hyperandrogenism and Hirsutism

September 2000 in “ Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America ”

Doreen L. Hock, David B. Seifer

hirsutism hyperandrogenism androgen facial hair body hair

Studysummary This article reviews the psychological impact of hirsutism, particularly its prevalence among women, and provides 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

The document discussed the psychological impact of hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive facial and body hair in women due to high androgen levels, affecting approximately 5% to 8% of the female population. It highlighted that while the physiological aspects are significant, the psychological consequences are often more devastating for patients. The term hirsutism was noted to be specific to females, as similar hair growth in males is considered normal due to naturally higher androgen levels.

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Research cited in this study

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research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Finasteride to Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsute Women

34 citations , January 1995 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

research Treatment of Hirsutism with the Pure Antiandrogen Flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that combining flutamide with an oral contraceptive significantly reduced hirsutism, acne, and seborrhea in patients after seven months, without significant side effects.

research Ketoconazole Therapy for Women with Acne and/or Hirsutism

46 citations , August 1990 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

In this study, ketoconazole treatment improved acne in all women and reduced hirsutism in some, but it caused several side effects and requires careful monitoring.

research Regulation of Androgen Receptor and 5α-Reductase in the Skin of Normal and Hirsute Women

35 citations , May 1986 in “Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism”

This study concludes that high skin 5α-reductase activity may contribute to hirsutism, but the specific regulatory mechanisms and genetic factors remain unclear.

research The Hair Cycle on the Human Thigh and Upper Arm

67 citations , July 1985 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

This study found that males have significantly longer hair on their thighs compared to females, mainly due to a longer anagen phase and a greater rate of growth.

research Androgen Metabolism in Hirsute Patients Treated with Cyproterone Acetate

64 citations , March 1984 in “Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry”

In this study, cyproterone acetate combined with estradiol dramatically improved hirsutism symptoms and significantly reduced plasma testosterone and androstenedione levels in patients over periods of up to three years.

research A Novel Use of Spironolactone: Treatment of Hirsutism

124 citations , September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

This study found that spironolactone significantly reduced hair growth in hirsute women, with noticeable effects in 3-5 months, and decreased serum testosterone levels in all participants.

research Testosterone Metabolism in the Skin

74 citations , November 1975 in “Archives of dermatology”

This review discusses testosterone metabolism in human skin and its role in androgenetic skin disorders, suggesting that temporary increases in dihydrotestosterone may lead to these conditions.