Reduction in undesired sexual hair growth with anandron in male-to-female transsexuals--experiences with a novel androgen receptor blocker.

The effect of Anandron, a novel non-steroidal anti-androgen, on the reduction in sexual hair growth of 14 male-to-female transsexuals was investigated. Anandron (300 mg/day) alone for 8 weeks increased serum testosterone levels (mean: 19.2 +/- 6.1 to 44.9 +/- 11.5 mmol/l) and serum oestradiol levels (mean: 0.08 +/- 0.02 to 0.24 +/- 0.06 nmol/l). From Weeks 9 to 20, ethinyloestradiol (100 micrograms/day) was co-administered. Hair growth scores, hair weight and the number of terminal hairs decreased significantly in the first 8 weeks and continued to decrease during the second period in the areas assessed (the trunk and the limbs). In addition, there was a subjective decrease in hair growth on the limbs and the trunk, but not on the face. We suggest that Anandron alone and in conjunction with oestrogens is effective in reducing sexual hair growth on the limbs and the trunk.