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Ethinylestradiol/Chlormadinone acetate: dermatological benefits
Aurora Guerra-Tapia1, Blanca Sancho Pérez
1Department of Dermatology, University Hospital October 12, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain. aurora@auroraguerra.com
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
|September 8, 2011
Summary
Combined oral contraceptives like ethinylestradiol/chlormadinone acetate (EE/CMA) can manage androgen-related skin conditions in women. EE/CMA shows promise for treating acne, hirsutism, and hair loss, with a favorable safety profile.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acne vulgaris, hirsutism, seborrhea, and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) are common pilosebaceous unit (PSU) disorders.
- Hyperandrogenemia can cause these dermatological issues, leading to psychological distress and reduced quality of life.
- High androgen levels at the PSU support the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review dermatological manifestations of the PSU.
- To describe the management of these conditions using ethinylestradiol/chlormadinone acetate (EE/CMA).
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on EE/CMA for dermatological disorders.
- Analysis of Phase III clinical trial data for EE/CMA in acne treatment.
- Examination of data on hirsutism, FPHL, and seborrhea from contraceptive efficacy trials.
Main Results:
- EE/CMA (0.03/2 mg) is a monophasic COC with anti-androgenic properties.
- Phase III trials showed EE/CMA was effective for mild to moderate papulopustular acne, comparable to another low-dose COC.
- Limited data suggest EE/CMA may improve hirsutism, FPHL, and seborrhea in subgroups.
Conclusions:
- EE/CMA demonstrates a good safety profile with common side effects including breast tenderness, headache, and nausea.
- EE/CMA presents a potentially valid treatment option for androgen-driven dermatological disorders.
- Further research is warranted to fully establish the efficacy of EE/CMA for these conditions.
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