Anti-androgens for the treatment of hirsutism.
Many alternatives exist for treating hirsutism. Based on an analysis of scientific literature and on the experiences of the author, the most common anti-androgen agents are discussed in this review. Androgen receptor blockers (cyproterone acetate, flutamide and spironolactone), 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride) and androgen-suppressing agents (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone [GnRH] agonists, oestroprogestins, corticosteroids and insulin-sensitising agents) are evaluated and compared. The importance of diagnosis in choosing the most appropriate anti-androgen treatment is also discussed.
Carmina
Enrico
E
Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Palermo, via delle Croci 47, 90139 Palermo, Italy. enricocarmina@libero.it
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059002:Androgen Receptor Antagonists; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D042944:Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010088:Oxidoreductases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D059002:Androgen Receptor Antagonists; D000728:Androgens; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D010088:Oxidoreductases; D042944:Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase