Lack of Effect of a Spironolactone-Containing Cream on Hair Growth in Hirsute Women
October 2009
in “
Dermatology
”
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Studysummary This study found that a cream containing spironolactone did not affect hair growth in hirsute women.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A placebo-controlled study involving 12 women with moderate androgen-dependent hirsutism found that a cream containing 5% spironolactone had no effect on hair growth over a 3-month period. Despite previous reports of success with similar treatments, this study observed no improvement in hirsutism or hair growth. Additionally, one patient developed contact dermatitis from the spironolactone cream. The study raised questions about the formulation's effectiveness and the drug's ability to reach the target site, suggesting that the antiandrogenic effects of spironolactone in hirsutism might be due to systemic rather than local action.
