HIRSUTISM - DRUGS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIRSUTISM

Definition

The term "hirsutism" refers to an "excessive and unregulated growth of hair, hard and thick, in women, in typically male anatomical sites such as abdomen, upper lip, back, nipple areola, etc. .." Hirsutism assumes the connotation of " virilism "when, in addition to the growth of hair where it is normally absent, the woman also manifests other signs of masculinization.

Causes

The distribution of hair, in the context of hirsutism, varies according to several elements: alteration of the hormonal axis (consequence of polycystic ovary syndrome, increase in testosterone and insulin, menopause), intake of certain drugs (Minoxidil for alopecia treatment, corticosteroids, androgens, progestogens, anabolic steroids), adrenal enzyme defect and genetic predisposition. Sometimes the cause is not identifiable.

Symptoms

Hirsutism does not cause any symptoms other than exaggerated growth of hair in places where it shouldn't be; typically, the condition begins with hair growth on the chin, upper lip, around the nipples and in the sideburn area. As we age, hirsutism favors the appearance of hair also on the back, abdomen, chest (central part), shoulders.

The information on Hirsutism - Medicines to Treat Hirsutism is not intended to replace the direct relationship between a health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Hirsutism - Medicines for the Treatment of Hirsutism.

Medicines

Hirsutism can be treated in different ways, depending on the origin of the disorder; For example, when excessive hair growth is associated with acne, the administration of hormones could control both the formation of pimples and hair growth.
In case of obesity associated with hirsutism, the patient should follow a low-calorie and balanced diet: this simple measure could create a modest effect also in terms of control and containment of hair growth, given that weight loss reflects a drop in levels of It is believed possible that constant physical exercise can also exert a positive effect on hirsutism, decreasing the production of androgens and improving the metabolic framework.
We have also seen that "hirsutism can also be influenced by an" alteration of insulin synthesis; therefore, the control of the glycaemia and an eventual therapy for the treatment of diabetes could solve, at least in part, this unpleasant condition.
Clearly, there are some treatments aimed exclusively at controlling hair, which do not, however, act directly on the cause: shaving, hair removal, waxing and innovative laser hair removal techniques can be very valid practices to improve the aesthetic appearance and remove the psychological distress, especially for young girls.
Electrolysis is also an important alternative to hide hirsutism: this practice acts on the hair follicle, destroying it thanks to an energy source capable of generating heat inside the hair.
When hirsutism is accompanied by evident signs of masculinization, we recommend surgery, which consists in the removal of the hyperproductive organ.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against hirsutism, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment:

Eflornithine (eg Vaniqa): available in the form of a cream for topical application; it is an antiprotozoal drug, capable of inhibiting the production of the enzyme ornithine-decarboxylase in the hair follicles, involved in hirsutism; the application of the product in the areas affected by hirsutism reduces in a more or less evident way the growth of the hair, especially on the face. Apply a thin layer of cream on the face affected by hirsutism, twice a day, exerting a light massage to favor its absorption. The treatment should generally be continued for 4 months, in which there is, most of the time, an evident improvement. symptoms.

Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone Acetate (antiandrogen drug): indicated to treat hirsutism associated with acne. The administration of this hormonal combination seems to be very effective in treating hirsutism: the effects exerted by excess "male" hormones are balanced by this product , in such a way as to decrease the synthesis of testosterone by the ovary. In general, hirsutism clearly improves 6-12 months after taking the contraceptive pill. Cyproterone acetate is sometimes associated with 17-Beta-Estradiol

Spironolactone (eg. Spirolang, Aldactone, Uractone): is an anti-androgen / diuretic drug used to monitor hair growth, and keep it under control. It is recommended to take a dose of the drug ranging from 50 to 200 mg / day orally, once a day or by dividing the dosage into two times.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (eg. Farlutal, Provera, Premia): it is a progestin drug capable of inhibiting the androgens synthesized in the ovaries, responsible for hirsutism. It is available in tablets of 10-20 mg of active ingredient; the dosage must be determined by the doctor.

Ketoconazole (eg Nizoral): apply the product in the form of a cream on the skin affected by hirsutism, once or twice a day, as prescribed by the doctor. However, ketoconazole is a second-line drug for the treatment of hirsutism; generally, it is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Do not use the drug if cortisones have been used in the previous two weeks.

Finasteride (eg. Prostide, Proscar): exerts its action against hirsutism by blocking the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Treatment with this drug increases testosterone values, decreasing DHT (Dihydrotestosterone, active metabolite of testosterone). Do not take during pregnancy: the drug is a teratogen. Indicatively, the recommended dose is 5 mg per day: the efficacy against hirsutism (at this dose) is comparable to that exerted by spironolactone (100 mg / day) The modification of the dosage is of medical competence.

Metformin (eg. Metforal, Diaglimet, Metbay, Dialinax): indicated for the treatment of hirsutism in the context of polycystic ovary syndrome. The drug is particularly indicated for obese or overweight women, diabetic and suffering from hirsutism: the drug, by increasing insulin sensitivity, promotes weight loss, regulates the menstrual cycle (generally altered in these cases) and improves significant hirsutism. For dosage: consult your doctor.