[Effect on skin and hormonal hyperandrogenic manifestations of an oral estroprogestin association containing ethynilestradiol 30 mg and drospirenone 3 mg].
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated hormonal and skin effects in hyperandrogenic women of an oral estroprogestin (EP) association containing ethynilestradiol 30 mcg plus drospirenone 3 mg.


METHODS
Thirty two women with signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism (seborrhea, acne, increased hair); hormonal assessment (follicle-stimulating hormone, [FSH]; luteinizing hormone, LH; 17-hydroxi-progesterone, 17OHP; androstenedione, A, testosterone, T; dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEAS; sex hormone binding globulin, [SHBG]; Free Androgen Index [FAI, Tx100/SHBG] was performed before the start of treatment, and after 3 and 6 months of administration of EP. The impact on seborrhea, acne, and hair pattern (Ferriman-Gallwey score) was assessed, and, by non-invasive technique, hydration, water transpiration, and homogeneity of the skin were evaluated.


RESULTS
Treatment with this EP for 6 months decreased significantly circulating androgen levels (A, T, DHEAS) and FAI, and increased SHBG levels, also reducing seborrhea, acne and hirsutism. Moreover, EE/DRSP increased hydration and improved overall appearance of skin surface (homogeneity).


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with EE 30 mcg+DRSP 3 mg improves hormonal pattern and skin appearance in hyperandrogenic patients, potentially with subsequent, beneficial effects on quality of life of these women.
Servizio di Ginecologia Endocrinologica e Fisiopatologia della Menopausa, IRCCS, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, Rome, Italy. lellostefano@libero.it
S
S
Lello
G
G
Primavera
L
L
Colonna
G
G
Vittori
F
F
Guardianelli
P
P
Pallotta
R
R
Sorge
E
E
Bilchugova
D
D
Raskovic
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000736:Androstenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009652:Norpregnenes / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000736:Androstenes; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D009652:Norpregnenes; C494367:estroprogestin; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; C035144:drospirenone