Propecia (Finasteride) for PCOS

Overview
Propecia is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat male pattern hair loss in men. Propecia is also referred to by its drug name, Finasteride. In cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Propecia may be prescribed to treat both alopecia (hair loss from the head) and hirsutism (excess hair growth elsewhere on the body). Since Propecia is not FDA-approved to treat PCOS, this usage may be considered “off-label.”

Propecia is an androgen inhibitor. Propecia is believed to work by inhibiting the effects of androgenic hormones that contribute to alopecia and hirsutism.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Propecia is taken once a day.

Propecia comes in tablet form.

Side effects
In women, Propecia may cause common side effects including headaches, nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, and decreased libido.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Propecia include birth defects.

For more details about this treatment, visit:
Propecia prescribing information (PDF) – Merck
http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p...

A Patient’s Guide: Management of Hair Loss in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – ObGyn.net
http://www.obgyn.net/infertility/patient%E2%80%...

Treatment options for polycystic ovary syndrome – International Journal of Women’s Health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC303...