Recurrence rate of hirsutism after 3 different antiandrogen therapies

Background: Although antiandrogens are frequently and successfully used to treat hirsutism, little attention has been paid to optimal duration of trea tment and recurrence rate after cessation of therapy. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the recurrence rate of hirsutism af ter 3 different antiandrogen therapies. Methods: Eighty-one hirsute women referred to a tertiary hirsutism clinic w ere assigned to one of three regimens: spironolactone 100 mg/day with an or al contraceptive, cyproterone acetate 50 mg/day on days 1 to 10 with an ora l contraceptive, or flutamide 250 mg twice a day. Hirsutism scores accordin g to the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system and endocrine parameters were eval uated before, during, and 1 year after withdrawal of treatment regimens. Results: Hirsutism scores decreased significantly and similarly in spironol actone, flutamide, and cyproterone acetate treatment groups. However, 1 yea r after withdrawal of treatment in all antiandrogen therapy groups, hirsuti sm returned. Conclusion: Antiandrogens are effective in the treatment of hirsutism. Howe ver cessation of antiandrogen therapy is followed by recurrence.