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Spironolactone and estrogen-progestin therapy for hirsutism
Southern Medical Journal
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Spironolactone combined with norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol effectively treated hirsutism in women. This hormonal therapy significantly reduced testosterone levels and improved clinical symptoms with few side effects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hirsutism is a common condition in women, often linked to elevated androgen levels.
- Current treatments for hirsutism can have variable efficacy and side effect profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of spironolactone in combination with oral contraceptives for treating hirsutism.
- To assess the impact of this combination therapy on hormonal profiles.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen women with hirsutism were treated with spironolactone (100 mg daily) continuously.
- Norethindrone (1 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (35 mg) were administered cyclically for 21 days every 28 days.
- Dosage adjustments were made, with some patients receiving up to 200 mg of spironolactone daily.
Main Results:
- Clinical improvement was observed in 11 out of 16 patients, with an additional patient responding to increased spironolactone dosage.
- Significant reductions in serum total testosterone, serum free testosterone, and percentage of free testosterone were noted.
- The combination therapy was generally well-tolerated, with infrequent side effects.
Conclusions:
- Spironolactone, in combination with norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol, is an effective treatment for hirsutism.
- This therapeutic regimen leads to significant hormonal normalization and clinical symptom improvement.
- The treatment demonstrates a favorable safety profile with minimal adverse events.
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