Activation of PRL secretion by combined treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol

Two groups of patients affected by idiopathic androgenization have been treated with ethinylestradiol (EE) associated with two different (high and low) dosages of cyproterone acetate (CA); the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible endocrine side effects at the pituitary level. After three and six months of treatment gonadotropins secretion appeared significantly inhibited with higher evidence for LH than for FSH and especially in the patients on high dose of CA. Nevertheless the most impressive finding was represented by the increase in PRL responses to TRH documented when higher doses of CA were employed without significant change in TSH secretion. The Authors suggest that such PRL hyperresponsiveness cannot be completely disregarded in the management of idiopathic androgenization.