Dose-response effect of depot leuprolide acetate on serum androgens in hirsute women.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the dose of leuprolide acetate (LA) needed to maximally suppress serum androgens in hirsute women.


METHODS
Prospective, dose-escalation study.


METHODS
Outpatient endocrinology clinic.


METHODS
Eight hyperandrogenic women with moderate to severe hirsutism.


METHODS
A LA dose-response study was done in women receiving depot LA plus estrogen-progestin replacement.


METHODS
Serum concentrations of T, androstenedione (A), and basal and GnRH-stimulated LH.


RESULTS
The lowest LA dose (3.75 mg/mo) suppressed serum T by 62% +/- 6% and A by 56% +/- 7%. No further decrease in serum androgens was seen with doses up to 15 mg/mo. Maximal suppression of basal and stimulated LH was also seen with the lowest dose of LA.


CONCLUSIONS
As opposed to results previously published in children with precocious puberty, the 3.75 mg dose of depot LA is sufficient to maximally suppress serum androgens in hyperandrogenic women.
Rittmaster
R S
RS
Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Arab
D M
DM
Lehman
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D016729:Leuprolide