Treatment of Hirsutism With Spironolactone

The study from 1982 evaluated the effectiveness of spironolactone in treating hirsutism in 39 patients, administering 200 mg/day. Significant improvement in facial hair growth was observed in 19 of 20 patients with moderate to severe hirsutism within two months, with maximal effects at six months and maintained at 12 months. The treatment was effective for both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO) and idiopathic hirsutism, reducing ovarian androgen levels without affecting adrenal androgen and cortisol levels. No significant side effects were reported apart from transient diuresis. The study concluded that spironolactone is a highly effective and safe treatment for hirsutism, with additional benefits of potentially restoring cyclic ovarian function in amenorrheic patients with PCO syndrome, but should be used with effective contraception due to its potent antiandrogen effects.