Female Hirsutism: Pathophysiological Considerations and Therapeutic Implications*

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of flutamide and spironolactone plus ethinyloestradiol/cyproterone acetate in the treatment of hirsutism: A randomised controlled study

“…When used in combination with 35 μg cyproterone acetate (CPA)/ethinyloestradiol (EE), a compound commonly used in modern contraceptives, this can help ensure an adequate oestrogen input and allow regular bleeding. 15 CPA is an anti-androgen with progestational activity currently used in Europe. It also has a contraceptive effect which is due to its inhibition of gonadotropin secretion 16 as it competes with DHT for binding of the androgen receptor.…”

Clinical Assessment and Serum Hormonal Profile in Prepubertal Hypertrichosis

“…minoxidil, cyclosporine, diazoxide, danazol, phenothiazine and hydantoin) [6, 7, 8]; however, in most cases no clear cause has been determined and this condition is considered as idiopathic [9]. This is not the case in postpubertal girls in whom hirsutism may be due to androgen excess, to alteration in the androgen transport in plasma or to changes in target cell sensitivity to androgen action [10, 11]. …”

Antiandrogens and Hirsutism

“…Female hirsutism has been defined as ex cessive hair growth in anatomical sites where such growth may be considered a secondary male characteristic [ 1 ]. Seborrhea and acne may concomitantly occur in this situation.…”

“…All these items have already been discussed in detail in recent literature [1,2], Indeed, this is a fascinating field of endocrinological research, as it involves not only clinical studies, but also molecular investigations that have permitted to reach outstanding re sults in the pathophysiology of androgen ac tion.…”