Efficacy of a new oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol in the long-term treatment of hirsutism.
OBJECTIVE
This study represents long term clinical and biochemical results and the response of different body parts to medical therapy with oral ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone combination in hirsute patients with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Prospective, open, controlled clinical study.


METHODS
Outpatients at Erciyes University Medical School.


METHODS
Fifty women with moderate to severe hirsutism were recruited. Two women were lost to follow-up.


METHODS
Women were treated with 3 mg of drospirenone and 30 microg of ethinyl estradiol for 12 cycles.


METHODS
Hirsutism was assessed at 6-month intervals using the Ferriman-Gallwey (F-G) scoring system. Serum FSH, LH, total and free testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), estradiol (E2), and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels at 6 and 12 months of therapy were compared with baseline values.


RESULTS
Total mean FG score declined by 67% and 78% after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Improvement was most prominent on the chest and abdomen, followed by the upper lip and chin. The lowest effect was observed on the back and arms. Serum levels of total and free T and A decreased, whereas SHBG levels increased significantly after 6 and 12 months when compared with baseline levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol combination exerts significant antiandrogenic activity and is effective in improving facial hirsutism. The beneficial effect is most obvious after six cycles and continues thereafter at a slower rate.
Batukan
Cem
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey. cbatukan@erciyes.edu.tr
Muderris
Iptisam Ipek
II
D000328:Adult; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood; D000736:Androstenes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000736:Androstenes; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004967:Estrogens; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; C035144:drospirenone