Recurrence rate of hirsutism after 3 different antiandrogen therapies.

BACKGROUND

Although antiandrogens are frequently and successfully used to treat hirsutism, little attention has been paid to optimal duration of treatment and recurrence rate after cessation of therapy.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine the recurrence rate of hirsutism after 3 different antiandrogen therapies.

METHODS

Eighty-one hirsute women referred to a tertiary hirsutism clinic were assigned to one of three regimens: spironolactone 100 mg/day with an oral contraceptive, cyproterone acetate 50 mg/day on days 1 to 10 with an oral contraceptive, or flutamide 250 mg twice a day. Hirsutism scores according to the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system and endocrine parameters were evaluated before, during, and 1 year after withdrawal of treatment regimens.

RESULTS

Hirsutism scores decreased significantly and similarly in spironolactone, flutamide, and cyproterone acetate treatment groups. However, 1 year after withdrawal of treatment in all antiandrogen therapy groups, hirsutism returned.

CONCLUSION

Antiandrogens are effective in the treatment of hirsutism. However, cessation of antiandrogen therapy is followed by recurrence.