Skip to content

Hirsutism

Hirsutism is the excessive growth of thick, dark, male-pattern hair on a woman’s face, chest, abdomen, back and thighs. It is usually linked to changes in androgen levels.

Vaniqa

Eflornithine

13.9% 15g

Eflornithine cream for hirsutism. It slows the growth of unwanted facial hair.

From$94.33/ tubeView

Key points

  • Hirsutism is very common, affecting roughly 5 to 10 percent of all women.
  • The most common underlying cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though sometimes no obvious cause is found.
  • Management often begins with an oral contraceptive pill, and direct hair removal methods such as electrolysis or laser are also effective.

Medicines listed for Hirsutism

The two products listed for hirsutism span different approaches to unwanted hair growth. Diane 35 is a tablet combining Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinylestradiol, which work on the hormonal side of the condition. Vaniqa is a cream containing eflornithine, applied directly to the skin to slow hair growth in the treated area.

Further reading