Spironolactone in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism and the polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Forty-eight hirsute women were treated with spironolactone 100 mg twice daily for 3 to 12 months. Both facial and body hirsuties improved by 30–40%, and there was a threefold reduction in frequency of local treatments such as waxing or shaving. Plasma testosterone fell by 30%, though the improvement in hirsuties grading did not correlate with the fall in plasma testosterone. Six subjects discontinued treatment because of lack of effect, and 4 because of menstrual disturbance. Spironolactone was equally effective in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism and of the polycystic ovary syndrome. © 1986, The Royal Society of Medicine. All rights reserved.