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,
February 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.
125 citations,
February 2007 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” 133 citations,
July 2006 in “International Journal of Dermatology” 
253 citations,
March 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Exposure to too much androgen before birth might cause polycystic ovary syndrome later in life.
167 citations,
January 2006 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” Women with PCOS have lower quality of life, especially in mental health and energy, and managing weight can help improve it.
414 citations,
August 2005 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic ovary syndrome costs the U.S. over $4 billion a year, mainly from treating related health issues.
169 citations,
August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology” Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
278 citations,
August 2004 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology” Polycystic ovaries are defined by having 12 or more small follicles in each ovary and are found in up to 33% of women, while Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder in women of reproductive age, potentially increasing risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.
947 citations,
February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.
4025 citations,
December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
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.
149 citations,
June 2002 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil works better for female hair loss, but cyproterone reduces scalp oiliness and causes menstrual issues.
1947 citations,
September 1995 in “New England journal of medicine/The New England journal of medicine” PCOS is a common hormonal disorder causing irregular periods and increased hair growth, linked to insulin resistance and long-term health issues.
