Androgens in Women: Hormone modulating therapies for skin disease (Part II)

Publication date: Available online 10 October 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Sarah Azarchi, Amanda Bienenfeld, Kristen Lo Sicco, Shari Marchbein, Jerry Shapiro, Arielle R. Nagler

Abstract

Androgen-mediated cutaneous disorders (AMCDs) in women including acne, hirsutism, and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) can be treated with hormone-modulating therapies. In the second part of this Continuing Medical Education series, we discuss the hormone-modulating therapies available to dermatologists for the treatment of AMCDs including combined oral contraceptives, spironolactone, finasteride, dutasteride, and flutamide. Available hormone-modulating treatments utilized for each AMCDs are reviewed, along with mechanisms of androgen modulation, safety profile, contraindications, monitoring parameters, and evidence of efficacy. Medications discussed include ones that are FDA-approved for certain AMCDs as well as some that are used off-label. Despite the ubiquity of hormone-modulating therapies used for AMCDs, this review highlights the need for more rigorous studies to evaluate these therapies for acne, hirsutism, and FPHL.