Preparation and clinical evaluation of Finastride gel in the treatment of idiopathic Hirsutism

Assessment of the effects of bean extract on axillary hair reduction

Objective

Body hair removal plays an important role in beauty standards, particularly for women. Finding a method that is easy to use, cheap, and can be done without supervision can significantly affect long-term hair reduction and reduce the side effects of hair removal. The present study investigated the impact of a containing 20% broad bean (Vicia faba) extract cream on axillary hair removal.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-five female volunteers were randomly divided into A (right axillary intervention - left axillary placebo) and B (right axillary placebo - left axillary intervention). Depending on the group, each person used a cream containing 20% broad bean extract )"The extract made from the seeds and pods of broad beans.") on one side and a placebo on the other twice a day for three months. Volunteers shaved their axillary hairs three days before each visit and took pictures of both sides on the day of the visit with a trichoscope (to check the diameter and thickness of the hairs).

Results

We found a decrease in thickness on the intervention group (the axilla where a cream containing broad bean extract was applied); however, this difference was not significant between the intervention side and the placebo. In terms of the number of hairs, the difference between the two groups was significant only in the second month despite the decrease on the intervention side. Evaluation based on the personal judgment of the volunteers showed that there was a substantial difference in terms of the number of hairs (p=0.012) and thinning of hair (p=0.02).

Conclusion

Our findings showed that 20% broad bean extract cream could potentially reduce axillary hair growth.

Testosterone or dihydrotestosterone: what should be evaluated in hirsutism?

PURPOSE

Dihydrotestosterone is a more potent androgen derived from testosterone and androstenediones, but its measurement has not been routinely recommended in women with hirsutism, and there is limited information in this regard with equivocal findings. This study aimed to evaluate serum dihydrotestosterone level in patients with hirsutism compared to women without hirsutism.

METHODS

In this case-control study (during 2021-2022), serum levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone were evaluated in 101 women with hirsutism and 101 healthy women. Hormonal levels were measured with chemiluminescent immunoassay method. Age and hormonal levels in each group, body mass index, menstrual status, complaint of decreased scalp hair density, and ovarian ultrasound findings in hirsutism group were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

There was significant difference in free testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels (P < 0.001) and no significant difference in total testosterone level between two groups (P = 0.628). Dihydrotestosterone level was significantly higher in women with hirsutism with menses irregularity, complaint of decreased scalp hair density, and presence of polycystic ovary on ultrasound (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring dihydrotestosterone level is not considered in routine evaluation of hirsutism, but we think that this significant difference shows that elevated level of dihydrotestosterone hormone in women with hirsutism is an important factor.

Androgenetic alopecia; drug safety and therapeutic strategies

INTRODUCTION

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a benign condition with variable psychosocial impact, with some individuals adapting well while others needing therapeutic support. Although 5α-reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride have proven effective in ameliorating AGA, their use/selection is currently a subject of debate.

AREAS COVERED

Treatment of AGA with 5α-reductase inhibitors lead to variable adverse effects and relatively unstable results (therapeutic efficacy ending with treatment cessation), so the choice of optimal therapy is not straightforward. This paper presents a general perspective regarding AGA based on studies listed in PubMed, to better understand/appreciate the opportunity for long term use of medication for a biological condition having non-life threatening implications. Studies focussed on adverse effects suggest that finasteride should be used with caution in AGA, due to considerable and persistent side effects induced in some men. In contrast, efficacy data indicate that dutasteride (a stronger inhibitor) presents superior therapeutic results compared to finasteride.

EXPERT OPINION

This paper argues that finasteride should be preferred to dutasteride in the treatment of AGA. Thus, finasteride preserves important physiological roles of dihydrotestosterone (unrelated to AGA) and, in addition, its adverse effects seem to be (at least in part) predictable.