[Increased hair growth during prolonged tocolytic therapy with fenoterol. Measurements of testosterone, androstandiol, cortisol and ACTH (author's transl)].

28 patients out of 30 treated with a longtime i.v. infusion of Fenoterol showed an intensive hair growth all-over the skin not especially showing the Linea alba and the beard. To investigate the normal hair growth during pregnancy we examined 384 volontiers just before delivery. 2,8% showed an android hair growth and 3,6% a more intensive hair growth all over the skin. To investigate the role of hormones in the excessive hair growth following i.v. tocolysis with Fenoterol, we measured Testosterone, 5 a-androstan-3 beta-17 beta-diol, Cortisol and ACTH. In contrast to the reports in literature we found a decrease in Testosterone during the treatment with Fenoterol. After an initial fall Androstandiol showed a slight rise in the 3rd week of therapy. ACTH and Cortisol remained unchanged. Contrary to the literature we did not see any augmentation of plasma Cortisol. We conclude, that androgen metabolites are not the reason for the intensive hair growth. The hair growth may be due to a more intensive metabolism within the hair follicle.