TLDR PCOS affects many women and can cause various health issues, with several treatments available.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was diagnosed in up to 10% of women attending gynecology clinics, with associations to hirsutism, infertility, acne, weight gain, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial hyperplasia. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of various treatments, including finasteride, flutamide, metformin, spironolactone, cyproterone acetate-ethinylestradiol (co-cyprindiol), weight loss interventions, ketoconazole, and mechanical hair removal. The review included 24 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies, and a GRADE evaluation was performed to assess the quality of evidence for these interventions.
30 citations
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February 2016 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Some medications can reduce excessive hair growth in women, but more research is needed to find the best treatment combinations.
14 citations
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January 2008 in “Dermatology Online Journal” Hormonal therapies like cyproterone acetate and spironolactone may help some women with hair loss, but finasteride 1mg is not useful, and the effectiveness of other treatments is still unclear.
75 citations
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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.
195 citations
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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.
55 citations
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March 2000 in “American journal of clinical dermatology” Antiandrogens, particularly flutamide and CPA, are most effective for treating hirsutism, with long-term use needed for best results.
20 citations
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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.
