Treatment of hirsutism with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and estrogen replacement therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of treatment of significant hirsutism with a GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and estrogen and progestin replacement therapy.


METHODS
Clinical series.


METHODS
Ambulatory gynecology clinic in a community hospital.


METHODS
Ten women with significant hirsutism caused by polycystic ovarian disease.


METHODS
The patients were treated with leuprolide acetate 20 micrograms/kg per day in combination with E2 (2 mg) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 mg) for 6 months.


METHODS
Hirsutism scores and hair growth rates determined before and upon completion of treatment protocol.


RESULTS
Hirsutism scores and hair growth rates significantly decreased by 23% and 26%, respectively. The duration of hirsutism was the only significant covariate for hirsutism scores and hair growth rates. Only two patients had minimal, irregular bleeding that was corrected by increasing the estrogen dose.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of a GnRH-a and estrogen replacement therapy was an effective and well-tolerated treatment in a small group of women with significant hirsutism caused by PCOD.
Morcos
R N
RN
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center, Youngstown, Ohio 44501.
Abdul-Malak
M E
ME
Shikora
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D013739:Testosterone; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; D016729:Leuprolide