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

spironolactone hirsutism Ferriman and Gallwey hair scores serum testosterone cyproterone acetate estrogen Aldactone

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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Research cited in this study

2 / 2 results

research Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone

183 citations, March 1982 in “JAMA”

Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment for reducing excessive hair growth in women.

research A Novel Use of Spironolactone: Treatment of Hirsutism

124 citations, September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Spironolactone is effective in treating excessive hair growth in women.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 343 results

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 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 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.

community Any balding females? I need advice with coping :(

16 upvotes 8 years ago

A 27-year-old woman is struggling with hair loss, feeling self-conscious and seeking advice on coping. She mentions trying Minoxidil but is hesitant due to scalp issues and is looking for ways to regain confidence.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Metformin or Antiandrogen in the Treatment of Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

192 citations, September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism”

Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.