Effect of danazol on plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in normal women

Prior studies of lipid and lipoprotein levels alterations associated with the administration of danazol, a testosterone derivative, in patients treated for endometriosis have been conflicting. We administered danazol to 7 normal menstruating women and measured plasma lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels prior to and 2 months after treatment. Small, non-significant decreases in total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were seen, largely due to a dramatic decline in one woman with type IV hyperlipoproteinemia. No significant change in low density or very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was seen. However, a marked (40%) reduction of high density lipoprotein cholesterol level in the mean was found. These findings have implications for the atherogenic potential of danazol, the treatment of hyperlipidemia, and the relationship between gonadal hormones and lipoprotein levels.