Hirsutes. II: Treatment

The treatment of hirsutes includes cosmetic measures, such as bleaching, plucking, electrical epilation and, more recently, laser epilation. Pharmacological therapy consists of anti-androgens and includes the androgen receptor blockers spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. Other drugs reducing androgen expression include oral contraceptives and corticosteroids. A new follicular 5 alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride, is currently under evaluation, as is the anti-androgen flutamide. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists reduce androgen expression and show early promise in the treatment of hirsutes.