Spironolactone in the Treatment of Hirsutism

    January 1986 in “ Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica ”
    Michael Chapman, Maurice Katz, Mitchell Dowsett, William M. Hague, S. L. Jeffcoate, C. J. Dewhurst
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    TLDR Spironolactone can reduce hair growth and testosterone in hirsutism, but is less effective than combined treatments.
    In a study from 1986, 35 patients with hirsutism were treated with 100 mg of spironolactone for 25 days per menstrual cycle over a period of 6 months. Five patients withdrew due to side effects such as nausea and polymenorrhea, which was a problem for 16 patients in total. Out of the 30 patients who completed the study, 17 experienced a significant reduction in hair growth, as measured by Ferriman and Gallwey hair scores (p<0.05). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in serum testosterone levels (p<0.05). However, the treatment with spironolactone alone was found to be less effective than previous treatments using a combination of cyproterone acetate and estrogen.
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      community Finasteride 5mg & Spironolactone 100mg

      in Female  2 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      A 20-year-old female is using finasteride 5mg and spironolactone 100mg for severe hirsutism and is experiencing minor side effects like water weight loss and irregular periods. She is concerned about potential future side effects and hair regrowth on her scalp.

      community AA and Hirsutism but T levels are normal

      in Female  8 upvotes 3 years ago
      27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.

      community Spironolactone or bicalutamide prescription

      in Treatment  4 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about someone seeking a doctor in the EU who prescribes spironolactone or bicalutamide for female pattern hair loss, as they are having difficulty finding treatment options beyond Minoxidil in Austria. They are asking for recommendations and are open to direct messages for assistance.

      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 8 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  53 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 No, Finasteride as a treatment for MPB was not an "accident"

      in Research/Science  105 upvotes 3 years ago
      Finasteride was intentionally developed to treat BPH and later approved for male pattern baldness (MPB) due to its 5AR inhibition effects. The delay in MPB approval was due to concerns about off-label use for female hirsutism and the prioritization of treating a more debilitating condition.

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