Use of Topical Finasteride in Hirsutism: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial on Women



Iraji F¹ ; Karbasioun S^{2, 3} ; Aminorroaya A⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2012

Abstract

Background: Finasteride partially blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone through inhibition of 5α-reductase in hair follicles. Finasteride cream can penetrate into the dermis and the hair follicle due to its solubility. Therefore, it is expected to be used in the treatment of hirsutism with fewer systemic adverse side effects. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of finasteride cream 0.5% in the management of idiopathic hirsutism. Methods: Finasteride (0.5%) and placebo creams were administered to 35 women with facial hirsutism. Medication and placebo creams were each used on one side of the face in an area of excessive hair growth, which were not necessarily symmetrical. The side of the face for the finasteride and placebo creams was chosen randomly and blindly in 1cm2 areas on each side of the face. The hairs were counted and their thickness was also measured by micrometer, and their mean was calculated at the start of therapy and after 6 months. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS software using Paired and Student t-tests. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Findings: The mean of hair numbers decreased on the placebo-applied side from 12.20 ± 6.15 to 10.50 ± 4.90 (P < 0.001), and on the finasteride-treated side from 11.37 ± 6.15 to 8.47 ± 4.62 (P < 0.001). Mean of hair thickness on the placebo side decreased from 2.92 ± 0.84 µm to 2.72 ± 0.79 µm (P < 0.001), and on the finasteride side from 3.17 ± 0.90 µm to 2.37 ± 0.79 µm (P < 0.001). Comparison of hair number and thickness showed no statistically significant changes in finasteride versus placebo treated sides. However, according to the patients' view points, hair growth rate was diminished and hair was thinner on the finasteride-treated side. Conclusion: Six months of topically applied finasteride (0.5%) does not affect the number and thickness of facial hirsutism significantly. Despite the lack of changes, on questioning, most patients in the finastride group perceived a decrease in hair growth over time. © 2012, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.