Is Topical Eflornithine an Effective Adjunctive Therapy in Reducing Unwanted Facial Hair in Women Diagnosed with Hirsutism

This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of topical eflornithine as an adjunctive therapy for reducing unwanted facial hair in women with hirsutism, based on three randomized controlled trials. The studies, published between 2006 and 2016, assessed outcomes through hair counts, Physician Global Assessments, and Patient Self-Assessments over periods of up to 6 months. Two trials found a statistically significant reduction in unwanted facial hair with eflornithine use, while the third indicated diminishing benefits after 6 months. Overall, the review concluded that topical eflornithine was effective in reducing unwanted facial hair for at least the first 6 months.