Cyproterone acetate and the treatment of hirsutism
Fraser, I.S.; Shearman, R.P.; Allen, J.K.; McCarron, G.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 23(2): 93-98
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-8666 PMID: 6226279 DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1983.tb00172.xDocument Number: 396614
Forty-two women with hirsutism completed 12 months of treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol given in a reverse sequential regimen. A highly significant improvement was recorded in the whole group using the Ferriman and Gallwey scoring system. Ten patients recorded a poor response whereas 19 recorded a good or very good result. Patients from groups with polycystic ovarian disease and idiopathic hirsutism recorded equally beneficial responses. Fasting plasma triglycerides rose significantly after 12 months. Other lipids were largely unaffected although a small fall in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol was detected at mid-cycle. No other biochemical abnormalities were found. Circulating levels of testosterone and 17 hydroxyprogesterone were suppressed during treatment. Side-effects were not prominent. This appears to be a very useful medication for a clinical problem which hitherto has been difficult to treat.