Triiodothyronine in the treatment of hirsute girls

Twenty six girls with hirsutism and menstrual disturbances were investigated. The girls participated in 9-day dynamic tests with dexamethasone and human chorionic gonadotrophin and using serum testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) capacity estimations three groups of hirsutism (adrenal, ovarian and mixed) were diagnosed. In the treatment of hirsute girls the triiodothyronine (T3) alone, T3 with dexamethasone and T3 with contraceptive pills (Gestranol) were employed. Before and during treatment serum concentrations of T, DHT and SHBG were determined. While an effect of T3 on T and DHT serum levels could not be established statistically, SHBG capacity increased significantly in comparison to their initial values. This increase was more evident after an addition of dexamethasone (adrenal type of hirsutism) and Gestranol (ovarian type of hirsutism). The employed treatment led to the regulation of menstrual bleedings and in most cases caused an inhibition of an excessive growth of body hair. The authors suggest that the administration of thyroid gland preparations should be considered in the treatment of hirsutism in young individuals.