Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination

    Reprod Biomed Online. 2004 May;8(5):538-46.

    Medical treatment regimens of hirsutism.

    Sahin Y, Kelestimur F.

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, Medical School, 38039, Kayseri, Turkey. ysahin@erciyes.edu.tr

    Hirsutism, which is a common clinical problem in women of reproductive age, is characterized by excessive growth of terminal hair in the androgen-sensitive skin regions. It is the result of either androgen excess or increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to normal levels of androgens. The management, which includes cosmetic measures and medical treatment, is far from satisfactory. Anti-androgen drugs play a key role in the treatment of hirsutism, but they have some side-effects which may result in cessation of the drug. On the other hand, anti-androgen treatment often needs to be continued for a long time. So, safe, inexpensive, and effective anti-androgen drugs are needed. Recently low-dose anti-androgen drugs have been shown to be effective in the maintenance of treatment. On the other hand, cyproterone acetate plus ethyniloestradiol and spironolactone, cyproterone acetate plus ethyniloestradiol and finasteride, and spironolactone and finasteride combinations have been used successfully in decreasing the hirsutism score. There are also some promising data regarding the effects of insulin sensitizers in the treatment of hirsutism, particularly in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. In the present review, the main features of anti-androgen drugs, new combined treatments, and insulin sensitizers in the treatment of hirsutism are discussed.

    PMID: 15151716 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    Supplemental Content

    Click here to read

    Patient drug information

    • Estrogen (Cenestin®, Enjuvia®, Estrace®, ...)

      Estrogen is used to treat hot flushes ('hot flashes'; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are experiencing menopause ('change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods). Some brands of estrogen...

    • Spironolactone (Aldactone®)

      Spironolactone is used to treat certain patients with hyperaldosteronism (the body produces too much aldosterone, a naturally occurring hormone); low potassium levels; and in patients with edema (fluid retention) caused ...

    • Metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage® XR, ...)

      Metformin is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) ....

    • » See all 5 drug reports ...