Hirsutism Medication

  • Author: George T Griffing, MD; Chief Editor: Michel E Rivlin, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 26, 2012
 

Medication Summary

The most effective strategy for treating hirsutism is to combine systemic therapy, which has a slow onset of effectiveness, with mechanical depilation (shaving, plucking, waxing, depilatory creams).

Systemic therapies directed at hirsutism can be divided into those that decrease ovarian or adrenal androgen production and those that inhibit androgen action in the skin.

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Oral contraceptives

Class Summary

OCs inhibit ovarian androgen production and are probably the first choice for young women with hirsutism who do not want to become pregnant. OCs are inexpensive, and they promote regular uterine bleeding. OCs can be used in combination with antiandrogens or other agents. They have a significant failure rate in hirsutism for several reasons. Low-dose OCs and progestin-only minipills fail to suppress ovulation in as many as 50% of women. Ovarian function continues at a variable rate, and ovarian androgens continue to be produced. Second, the progestins in OCs are attenuated derivatives of testosterone and have variable degrees of androgenic activity in women. The degree depends on the type of progestin and, more importantly, on individual susceptibility.

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Estrogen-progestin combinations (Ortho-Novum, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil)

 

Reduces secretion of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland by decreasing amount of gonadotropin-releasing hormones.

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Glucocorticoids

Class Summary

Glucocorticoids are used to inhibit adrenal androgens. These agents have antiinflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Glucocorticoids suppress ACTH-dependent adrenal androgen synthesis. These agents are used with variable success in women with adrenal hirsutism, CAH, and idiopathic adrenal hyperandrogenism.

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Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone, Meticorten)

 

May inhibit ACTH-dependent androgen synthesis through negative feedback.

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Dexamethasone (Decadron, AK-Dex, Alba-Dex)

 

May inhibit ACTH-dependent androgen synthesis through negative feedback.

Lower doses (eg, 0.25 mg) may prove to be effective with fewer adverse effects.

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Antiandrogens

Class Summary

Antiandrogens are used to block androgen action.

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Spironolactone (Aldactone)

 

Decreases testosterone production. Can be combined with OCs for added effects.

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5 alpha-reductase inhibitors

Class Summary

These agents are indicated for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness. An unlabeled use is for the treatment of female hirsutism.

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Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)

 

Specific inhibitor of the intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone into the androgen 5-α -dihydrotestosterone. Efficacy in hirsutism is similar to that of spironolactone. To be used only in postmenopausal women with no chance of becoming pregnant.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

George T Griffing, MD  Professor of Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine

George T Griffing, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, American Heart Association, Central Society for Clinical Research, Endocrine Society, International Society for Clinical Densitometry, and Southern Society for Clinical Investigation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Stanley Wallach, MD  Executive Director, American College of Nutrition; Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine

Stanley Wallach, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Nutrition, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, American Society for Clinical Investigation, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, American Society for Nutritional Sciences, Association of American Physicians, and Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Don S Schalch, MD  Professor Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics

Don S Schalch, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, Central Society for Clinical Research, and Endocrine Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mark Cooper, MBBS, PhD, FRACP  Head, Diabetes & Metabolism Division, Baker Heart Research Institute, Professor of Medicine, Monash University

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Michel E Rivlin, MD  Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Michel E Rivlin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, Mississippi State Medical Association, and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Idiopathic hirsutism in an elderly woman.
The photograph depicts hirsutism in a young woman with polycystic ovary syndrome. Note the acne lesions and excessive hair on her face and neck.
The photograph depicts familial hirsutism in a Pakistani woman.
Etiologic diagnosis of hirsutism.
 
 
 
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