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Facial Hair on Women
Medicine for Increased Hair Growth or Extra Male Hormones
Unwanted facial hair affects women of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. Medicines called anti-androgens may reduce hair growth and clear acne. Spironolactone - Aldactone ® (pronounced speer on oh lak' tone), first used to treat high blood pressure, has been shown to reduce the impact of male hormones on hair growth in women. Propecia - Finasteride ®, a medicine taken by men for hair loss, has the same effect. Anti-androgens often are combined with oral contraceptives.
Before taking Aldactone, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. Women who may become pregnant should not handle Finasteride. Finasteride is not be marketed for women because it causes birth defects, and the safety and efficacy have not been established in women.
Vaniqa ® cream also reduces facial hair in some women. Other treatments such as laser hair removal or electrolysis work well at getting rid of hair in some women. A woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Spironolactone - Aldactone has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication for your condition.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using these and any other medications for your condition.
References:
1) U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - April 2007 - www.4woman.gov
2) National Library of Medicine (NLM) - May 2007 - www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory