The Efficacy of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Idiopathic Hirsutism

Objective: Hirsutism is the presence of excess terminal hairs in females in a male-like pattern. The most accepted hypothesis for the development of hirsutism is increased 5-α reductase activity in hair follicles of hirsute women. Based on this hypothesis, this study is designed to evaluate the effects of finasteride cream (a 5-α reductase inhibitor) on idiopathic hirsutism. Methods: Forty women with idiopathic hirsutism, received finasteride cream 0.25% twice a day for 6 months on their chins. Mean thickness of three hair samples of each patient was measured before and after a 6-month finasteride cream therapy. Ferriman–Gallwey score of the chin area was also determined. Results: Mean hair thickness decreased from 49.0±1.2μm to 37.4±0.7 μm (p<0.001). Mean Ferriman – Gallwey score was also decreased from 3.2±0.41 to 2.2±0.76 (p<0.001). Acne was reported by 8 patients (20%) during the therapy. There were no other side effects. Conclusion: Finasteride cream is an efficient and harmless therapy in patients with idiopathic hirsutism.