Can I take medications to reduce body hair growth?

Question #29058

20 days ago

Can I take medications to reduce body hair growth? - #29058

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I am a 23-year-old male. My hormone levels are normal. Can I take medications like Finasteride, Spironolactone, and Cyproterone acetate to reduce genetically caused body hair growth?

How long have you been experiencing excessive body hair growth?:

- More than 5 years

Have you tried any treatments for hair reduction before?:

- No, this is my first attempt

Do you have any other symptoms related to hormone imbalance?:

- Yes, acne or skin changes

300 INR (~3.53 USD)

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

19 days ago

your case, since you are a 23-year-old male with normal hormone levels, using medications like finasteride, spironolactone, or cyproterone acetate solely to reduce body hair is generally not recommended without medical supervision. While finasteride can reduce DHT and may slightly affect body hair, its effect is usually modest and it can have side effects such as sexual dysfunction. Spironolactone and cyproterone acetate are anti-androgen medications that are typically used in females or specific medical conditions; in males, they can significantly lower testosterone effects, potentially causing unwanted effects like reduced libido, erectile issues, breast enlargement, and hormonal imbalance. Since your hair growth is likely genetic and within normal variation, safer and more effective options include laser hair reduction, trimming, waxing, or depilatory creams rather than systemic medications. If the hair growth feels excessive or is associated with persistent acne, it’s best to consult a dermatologist or endocrinologist before considering any hormonal treatment. In summary, do not self-start these medications, as the risks outweigh the benefits for cosmetic body hair reduction in otherwise healthy males.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

19 days ago

Hello dear
I think it is hirsutism
It is not related with protein intake or exercise
It is due to hormonal alterations
The current medication you have mentioned bring a lot of modifications and complications.
So please avoid taking medicines of your own.
I am suggesting some tests.
Please share the result with dermatologist in person for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician
Serum tsh
Serum testosterone
Serum dhea
Pelvic USG for pcos
Serum prolactin
Ct scan
Mri if recommended by dermatologist
Serum Lh
Serum fh
Serum cortisol
Hopefully you recover soon
Regards

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

18 days ago

Finasteride, Spironolactone, and Cyproterone acetate are indeed medications used in certain contexts to address issues related to hair growth, although they are typically prescribed for specific conditions. Finasteride is often used for androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) but isn’t generally used for reducing body hair. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which can slow hair loss on the scalp, but it’s not typically effective for body hair reduction. Spironolactone, on the other hand, is an anti-androgen more commonly prescribed to women for hirsutism, which is excessive hair growth, often in contexts involving conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For males, it’s not usually recommended due to potential side effects such as gynecomastia (breast enlargement) and effects on male hormone levels. Cyproterone acetate is also an anti-androgen primarily used in women for severe acne, androgenic alopecia, or hirsutism but isn’t commonly prescribed for healthy males to reduce body hair, unless there’s a particular hormone imbalance or related condition. Importantly, any decision to use these medications should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can take into account your personal health profile. Additionally, non-pharmaceutical methods such as laser hair removal or electrolysis might also be options worth considering given your goal—they have the potential to provide longer-term reduction in body hair and might be more appropriate in terms of side effects. Always ensure that any treatment plan is thoroughly discussed with a medical professional who can guide you based on evidence-based practices and consider any individual contraindications or health considerations you might have.

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

20 days ago

Hi there,
Here’s a direct take on your question—important points first:
· Do NOT take spironolactone or cyproterone acetate for body hair reduction as a male.
These are potent anti-androgens. Even with “normal” hormone levels, they can cause feminization, gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction, and fertility issues. They are not indicated for this use in men.
· Finasteride blocks conversion of testosterone to DHT.
It may slightly reduce body hair in some men, but it is not approved or reliable for that purpose. Main use: scalp hair loss. Side effects can include libido changes and mood issues.
· Acne + body hair despite normal hormone levels suggests end-organ sensitivity to androgens. Hormone labs can be “normal” but your skin/hair follicles may be more reactive.
· Safer, effective options for permanent body hair reduction:
· Laser hair removal – gold standard for dark hair.
· Topical eflornithine (Vaniqa) – slows facial/body hair growth; prescription only.
· Electrolysis – permanent but time-consuming.
· Next step: See a dermatologist (not a urologist) for this. They can assess your acne and tailor hair reduction treatments without risking hormonal side effects.
Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
Urologist

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

20 days ago

Hello
It’s great that you’re looking into options for managing body hair growth. Here’s a quick overview of the medications you mentioned:
### 1. Finasteride
- Use: Primarily used for male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can also help reduce body hair growth.
- Consideration: Generally safe for men, but it can have side effects like decreased libido or erectile dysfunction in some cases.
### 2. Spironolactone
- Use: An anti-androgen that can help reduce hair growth by blocking androgen receptors. It’s often used in women for conditions like PCOS but can be prescribed to men in certain cases.
- Consideration: It can cause side effects like breast tenderness or changes in potassium levels, so monitoring is essential.
### 3. Cyproterone Acetate
- Use: Another anti-androgen that is effective in reducing hair growth. It’s more commonly used in women but can be prescribed to men for specific conditions.
- Consideration: It can have significant side effects, including mood changes and liver function impacts, so it should be used under close medical supervision.
### Recommendations
- Consult a Doctor: Before starting any of these medications, it’s crucial to consult with an endocrinologist. They can assess your specific situation, discuss potential side effects, and monitor your health while on these medications.
- Consider Alternatives: Depending on your situation, other options like laser hair removal or electrolysis might be effective for long-term hair reduction without the need for systemic medications.
Thank you

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

20 days ago

Hello
No, a 23-year-old male with normal hormone levels should not take medications like Finasteride, Spironolactone, or Cyproterone acetate just to reduce genetically caused body hair. These drugs lower male hormones and can cause side effects such as low libido, erectile problems, breast enlargement, and fertility issues.
The safest and most effective way to reduce body hair in this situation is laser hair reduction, not hormone medications.
Regards

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