Clinical and hormonal effects of ketoconazole on hirsutism in women.

Twelve women affected by functional postpuberal hirsutism were administered daily with 400 mg of ketoconazole. A significant reduction in the levels of concentration of circulating androgens (T, DEA-S, D4) was observed. A rapid clinical improvement of hirsutism and acne was noted and was even appreciable after treatment had been completed. This study is a further confirmation of the prevalent antiandrogenic action of ketoconazole, seen in its inhibiting effect on steroid synthesis in the adrenal and gonadal glands, and as such indicates that this drug is a useful alternative treatment of hirsutism in women.