New Therapeutic Approach to the Hirsute Patient

September 1979 in “ Fertility and sterility ”

Andrée Boisselle, Roland R. Tremblay

spironolactone hirsutism testosterone 17-ketosteroid antiandrogenic androgen receptors hair follicles

TLDR Spironolactone can reduce hair growth in women with hirsutism.

The study investigated spironolactone's effectiveness in treating hirsutism in women by administering it to 10 healthy women and 6 hirsute women. Results showed a significant reduction in testosterone production and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion. After 6 months, hirsute patients experienced decreased hair growth rate and finer hair. The study concluded that spironolactone's antiandrogenic effects were due to reduced testosterone production and competitive inhibition at androgen receptors in hair follicles, suggesting it could be a beneficial treatment for hirsutism.

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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 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 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 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 DHT levels after 4 weeks of Fina and 8 weeks of Fina + 4 weeks of Duta

in Update 36 upvotes 5 years ago

The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.

Related Research

3 / 3 results

A Comparison Between Spironolactone and Spironolactone Plus Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism