TLDR Spironolactone is effective in treating excessive hair growth in women.
In a study conducted in 1980, spironolactone was tested for its antiandrogenic effects on 30 women with hirsutism, a condition characterized by excessive hair growth due to high levels of androgens. The treatment involved administering spironolactone from the 4th to the 22nd day of the menstrual cycle, resulting in a significant reduction of hair growth in 23 patients after 3-5 months. Additionally, all patients experienced a decrease in serum testosterone levels, and 25 saw an increase in estradiol. The study concluded that spironolactone's antiandrogenic properties make it an effective treatment for hirsutism, with moderate side effects that did not necessitate discontinuation of therapy.
60 citations,
September 1979 in “Fertility and sterility” Spironolactone can reduce hair growth in women with hirsutism.
39 citations,
November 1978 in “Annals of internal medicine” Spironolactone may help reduce excessive hair growth in women with high male hormone levels.
129 citations,
January 1977 in “Hormone and metabolic research” Cyproterone Acetate effectively treats androgen-related conditions and is used in prostate cancer therapy and hormone therapy for transgender women.
232 citations,
June 1975 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Cyproterone acetate is effective for acne but less so for hirsutism and alopecia, with some side effects and quick menstrual cycle recovery after treatment.
9 citations,
October 2012 in “Frontiers of Hormone Research” Antiandrogens are the main treatment for hirsutism, with individualized care and safe, affordable options needed.
20 citations,
January 1999 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design” Antiandrogen therapy is effective and well tolerated for treating women's androgenic disorders like hirsutism, acne, and hair loss.
