A comparative study of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and finasteride on idiopathic hirsutism
Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy of finasteride and GnRH agonist in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism. Methods: Sixty women with hirsutism were randomly assigned to receive either 5 mg of finasteride or long-acting GnRH agonist (depot leuprolide 3.75 mg) intramuscularly monthly for six months. Main outcome measures: Hirsutism scores were measured according to the Ferriman-Gallway scoring system, and side-effects were monitored for six months of treatment. Blood samples were taken at each visit for assessment of endocrine (FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, total and free testosterone, androstenedione, DHEAS-S, 17-OH-P, SHBG), biochemical, and hematologic parameters. Results: All of the patients treated with finasteride or GnRH agonist showed neither menstrual abnormalities nor side-effects. The mean percent change (±SD) in hirsutism scores in the GnRH and finasteride groups was 36%±14% and 14%±11% at six months, respectively. Serum total testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedion and DHEA-S showed a meaningful decrease in patients treated with GnRH agonist. On the other hand, only serum total testosterone and free testosterone levels decreased with finasteride treatment (p<0.05 and p<0.0001, respectively).