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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:
April 2007
www.4woman.gov
May 2007
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
This summary does not include everything there is to know about the medicine mentioned above. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. Side effects other than those listed may occur. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions. For updates or questions about any medications, contact the United States Food and Drug Administration toll free at 1-888-INFO-FDA (463-6332), or visit www.fda.gov. or consult your doctor for more information.