Lack of Effect of a Spironolactone-Containing Cream on Hair Growth in Hirsute Women

January 1987 in “ Dermatology ”

Fulgencio Gómez, Albert‐Adrien Ramelet, B Rüedi, M.F. Muhlemann

spironolactone androgen-dependent hirsutism contact dermatitis antiandrogenic effects

TLDR The spironolactone cream did not reduce hair growth in women with hirsutism.

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.

View this study on karger.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 343 results

community Spironolactone for 11 years, finasteride for almost 5 years, started oral minoxidil in November 😢 ended oral contraceptive in Dec.

in Progress Pictures 224 upvotes 7 months ago

A user shared their 11-year experience with spironolactone and nearly 5 years with finasteride for hair loss, recently adding oral minoxidil and stopping birth control. Various treatments were discussed, including organic options, checking for underlying health issues, considering dutasteride, and the potential role of progesterone in hair loss.

community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

in Female 56 upvotes 1 year ago

A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

community Finally seeing a modest gain after over 1 year on fin and 3 months on minox. I actually have my part returning!

in Progress Pictures 808 upvotes 3 years ago

User sees modest hair gain after 1 year on finasteride and 3 months on minoxidil. Others offer support and share experiences with hair loss treatments.

community where does the renewed spironolactone hype come from?

in Research/Science 7 upvotes 1 year ago

Topical spironolactone is gaining attention as an alternative hair loss treatment, but it's not as effective as other options like finasteride. Oral spironolactone can cause side effects in men, and there are better topical alternatives like RU, Pyril, and CB.

community It’s over. NOTHING has worked.

in Chat 95 upvotes 1 year ago

A user who has been trying various treatments for hair loss for four years, with no success. Suggestions include use of minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, microneedling, supplements and multivitamins, lifestyle changes, scalp biopsy, and SMP.

community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

in Will treatment work for me? 2 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Antiandrogens and Androgen Inhibitors in Dermatologic Treatments

November 2020 in “Elsevier eBooks”

Antiandrogens and androgen inhibitors like spironolactone, finasteride, and dutasteride can treat hair loss and skin conditions, but they have risks and side effects, including potential harm to pregnant women and risks of cancer and heart issues. Herbal remedies also have antiandrogenic effects but lack safety validation.

research Lack of Endocrine Systemic Side Effects After Topical Application of Spironolactone in Men

8 citations, April 1988 in “Journal of endocrinological investigation”

Topical spironolactone cream doesn't cause hormone-related side effects in the body.

research Alopecia: Managing the Basics

July 2015 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks”

The document concludes that treatments for female hair loss and excess body hair are available, but managing expectations is important.

research Androgens and Androgen Receptor in the Management of Skin Diseases

1 citations, January 2022 in “Journal of Biosciences and Medicines”

Understanding how androgens and their receptors work can lead to improved treatments for skin diseases.

research Potential Targets in the Discovery of New Hair Growth Promoters for Androgenic Alopecia

59 citations, May 2014 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets”

The document concludes that targeting 5α-reductase, the androgen receptor, and hair growth genes, along with using compounds with anti-androgenic properties, could lead to more effective hair loss treatments.