Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology
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Gynecol. Endocrinol. · Dec 1989
Effects of a low-dose estrogen-antiandrogen combination (Diane-35) on clinical signs of androgenization, hormone profile and ovarian size in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
This study evaluates the effect of an oral contraceptive containing 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg of cyproterone acetate (Diane-35) on hormone dynamics, clinical signs of androgenization and ovarian size in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty-six patients with PCOS were treated with Diane-35 for between 9 and 30 cycles without interruption (a total of 688 cycles). Clinical and hormonal evaluations were performed before treatment and every 3rd cycle during the treatment period while ultrasonographic assessment of ovaries was carried out every 6th cycle. ⋯ The results of this study show that a combination of low-dose estrogen and cyproterone acetate (Diane-35) successfully reduces the hormonal disturbances which characterize PCOS. Apart from the normalization of the hormonal profile and the decrease in ovarian size, beneficial effects of Diane-35 were also observed on acne, hirsutism and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Favourable effects were also seen in terms of the pregnancy rate after discontinuation of Diane-35 therapy.