Plasma lipoproteins during and after danazol treatment

Twelve women with pelvic endometriosis were treated with danazol, at a dose of 200 mg three times daily, over a 24-week period. The concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides were determined in plasma and in the lipoprotein fractions. After only 2 weeks the mean high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol had already decreased by 49% and 6 weeks later the reduction was 59%. The low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration increased by 14% after 2 weeks and by 34% after 8 weeks. The triglycerides increased by 20% after 2 weeks. Eight weeks after cessation of treatment the lipoprotein fractions had returned to the pretreatment levels.