Finasteride in the treatment of hirsutism: new therapeutic perspectives.
OBJECTIVE
To determine of the clinical and hormonal effects of finasteride (Proscar; Merck, Sharp, and Dohme, Rahway, NJ) in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism and hirsutism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
Istitute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Naples "Federico II."


METHODS
Ten women affected by idiopathic hirsutism and 15 women with PCOS.


METHODS
Finasteride was administered orally at a daily dose of 5 mg for a period of 6 months.


METHODS
Rating of hirsutism with the Ferriman-Gallwey method; serum androgen assays.


RESULTS
Finasteride produced a reduction in the average hirsutism scores ( > 50% in all patients), whereas no change was observed in serum T, androstenedione, and DHEAS levels. A significant reduction was measured in serum dihydrotestosterone and 3 alpha, 17 beta-androstenediol glucuronide levels.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that symptomatic hirsutism has to be considered as a skin disease associated with the increased activity of the 5 alpha-reductase. It also indicates that the selective 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride, is very effective and well tolerated in the treatment of both idiopathic hirsutism and of hirsutism in patients with PCOS.
Tolino
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Petrone
A
A
Sarnacchiaro
F
F
Cirillo
D
D
Ronsini
S
S
Lombardi
G
G
Nappi
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D018120:Finasteride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000728:Androgens; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D018120:Finasteride