AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Can I take medications to reduce body hair growth?
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 15M : 36S
background image
Click Here
background image
Sexual Health & Wellness
Question #29058
105 days ago
314

Can I take medications to reduce body hair growth?

Client_9bf2ca

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
$7.5
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

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.

2116 answered questions
59% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

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

3585 answered questions
70% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

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.

20941 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

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

555 answered questions
42% best answers

0 replies

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

1361 answered questions
45% best answers

0 replies

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

1986 answered questions
57% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Erection Issues After Taking Herbal Medicine
What are the side effects of Sildenafil and how can I improve performance naturally instead?
How to increase penis size and lose belly fat and gas?
Can I get pregnant from brief penetration without ejaculation?
Weaknes caused by extreme masturbation
What to do if I have lost voluntary control of my penis after a UTI and groin pain?
What is causing yellow discharge from the penis with itching and burning during urination?
What is the normal penis size for a 19-year-old in South Asia, and can a 49-degree curve affect my sex life?
How to improve penis size and stamina for better sexual performance?
What is a small hard lump near my anus that hasn't changed in 2 weeks?
About my testis its paining after masturbate
What is this small white bump on my penis that feels rubbery and has grown over a month?
Is there a chance of pregnancy if the penis was only in the vaginal opening for a few seconds before ejaculation on clothing?
Struggling with High Sexual Desire and Self-Control
What causes one testis to shrink after swelling and how can it be treated?
Can sexual conditioning be treated if someone is only aroused by a specific person?
Severe premature ejaculation from early age
How to increase penis size, sex timing qualityand quantityof sperms
Hi.I'm taking Shilajit and virgomax forte but no improvement my erection and sexual power. What can i do how to recover my sexual power
I think I have erectile dysfunction as I am not able to do properly, it get shoot too early
Sexual issue I have suffering when I go for intimacy
Erectile Disfunction medicine releted query
Sex without Condombut with Pill
What is causing severe itching and white discharge in the outer area for several days?
Redness and Itching on the Head of the Penis
What to do if I can't be intimate with my partner even after trying multiple times?
Premature ejaculation issue....
What to do for a swollen penile hole after peeing for 9 months?
What tests should I get for persistent erectile dysfunction at 30 with normal libido?
Chord infection and reactionary hydrocele