Spironolactone in Combination Drug Therapy for Unresponsive Hirsutism

In a study from 1985, nine hirsute women who had not responded to single drug therapies were evaluated for the effectiveness of combination drug therapy. The therapies combined spironolactone (100 to 150 mg) with either oral contraceptives or dexamethasone. Hormone levels were measured before and 4 to 6 weeks after starting the combination therapy, and compared to previous responses to single drug treatments. While there was no significant difference in androgenic parameters between the combination and single drug therapies, eight out of nine patients experienced a satisfactory clinical response, defined as a significant reduction in the frequency of hair removal and patient satisfaction. The only side effect observed was transient diuresis. The study concluded that combination drug therapy is effective and well-tolerated for treating hirsutism that does not respond to single drug treatments.