Treatment of Hirsutism and Acne in Hyperandrogenism

June 2006 in “ Baillière's best practice and research in clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism ”

Paolo Moghetti, Vincenzo Toscano

TLDR Medicines that lower androgen levels and hair removal treatments help manage excessive hair and acne in women with PCOS.

The document discussed the treatment of hirsutism and acne in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), highlighting that while drugs, particularly anti-androgens, can slow hair growth, they are not very effective on already terminalized hairs, necessitating cosmetic procedures like electrolysis and laser photothermolysis. Oral contraceptives were noted to have limited efficacy in treating hirsutism. Acne treatment varied based on severity and included topical and systemic retinoids, antibiotics, and androgen suppression. The document emphasized the importance of early and sustained intervention to prevent long-term complications such as scarring.

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14 / 14 results

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

47 citations , March 2004 in “European journal of endocrinology”

Spironolactone plus finasteride reduces hirsutism more effectively.

research Androgen Excess in Women: Experience with Over 1000 Consecutive Patients

947 citations , February 2004 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Most women with excess male hormones have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal therapy can improve symptoms but may cause side effects.

research Hair Reduction: 48 Months of Experience with 800nm Diode Laser

20 citations , December 2003 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

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research Spironolactone Versus Placebo or in Combination with Steroids for Hirsutism and Acne

32 citations , October 2003

Spironolactone is better than placebo for reducing excessive hair growth in women, but its effectiveness for acne is unclear due to small study sizes.

research Cyproterone Acetate for Hirsutism

78 citations , October 2003 in “Cochrane library”

Cyproterone acetate with estradiol may subjectively improve excessive hair growth in women, but it's not clinically better than other treatments.

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.

research The Evaluation and Management of Hirsutism

195 citations , May 2003 in “Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953. Online)/Obstetrics and gynecology”

Most women with excess hair growth have an underlying hormonal issue, often treated with medication and hair removal methods.

research Topical Eflornithine: Efficacy in Reducing Unwanted Facial Hair Growth in Women

115 citations , January 2001 in “American journal of clinical dermatology”

Eflornithine cream effectively reduces women's unwanted facial hair but hair returns if treatment stops.

research Comparison of Spironolactone, Flutamide, and Finasteride Efficacy in the Treatment of Hirsutism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

46 citations , January 2000 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

research Acne Therapy

5 citations , August 1999 in “Disease-a-month”

Hormonal imbalances can cause acne, and treatments may include hormone-blocking medications.

research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism

23 citations , April 1999 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

All treatments reduce hair growth; low dose flutamide most effective with fewer side effects.

research Cyproterone Acetate for Severe Hirsutism: Results of a Double-Blind Dose-Ranging Study

94 citations , July 1991 in “Clinical endocrinology”

Cyproterone acetate at 2mg daily is as effective as higher doses for treating excessive hair growth in women.

research Treatment of Hirsutism with the Pure Antiandrogen Flutamide

130 citations , September 1990 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Flutamide effectively reduced excessive hair growth and improved related symptoms in hirsutism patients without significant side effects.

research The effects of two doses of spironolactone on serum androgens and anagen hair in hirsute women

142 citations , February 1985 in “Fertility and sterility”

Spironolactone reduced hair thickness and some testosterone levels in women with excessive hair growth.

2 / 2 results

research Managing the PCOS-Related Symptoms of Hirsutism, Acne, and Hair Loss

1 citations , August 2013 in “Springer eBooks”

Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

10 citations , November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter”

Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.