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Finasteride in the Treatment of Hirsutism

1995; Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.; Volume: 4; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1089/jwh.1995.4.655

2168-7668

Kathryn Jean Lucas,

Hormonal and reproductive studies

Although hirsutism may have a variety of causes, not all women with elevated androgen levels will have male pattern hair growth. The ability of the hair follicle to respond to testosterone depends on the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone by the enzyme, 5α-reductase. Finasteride (Prosear) specifically inhibits the type II version of this enzyme in the prostate. Even though the isoenzymes have varying affinities for this medication in the different tissues, finasteride may have an effect on the hair follicle (type I) 5α-reductase. A clinical effect may be expected sooner if the original hairs are removed by electrolysis. The hairs that regrow under the effect of finasteride would be expected to show a more significant effect than those not removed by electrolysis. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of finasteride with and without electrolysis on women with hirsutism. Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, was administered to 11 women of different ages and with varying degrees of hirsutism and levels of testosterone. The etiologies of the hirsutism ranged from idiopathic hirsutism to mild congenital adrenal hyperplasia. All but 1 woman noted a decrease in the amount, thickness, and degree of hair growth. Three women with male pattern hair loss had growth of additional scalp hair. No side effects were seen. Electrolysis dramatically improved the effectiveness of finasteride in the 6 months of this study. The drug was effective and well tolerated and should be considered for use not only in idiopathic hirsutism but also in polycystic ovary syndrome and the mild forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.