Cyproterone
aka - Cyproterone acetate
- Androcur
Cyproterone acetate (CPA) is a synthetic derivative of 17-hydroxyprogesterone and is known primarily for its antiandrogenic properties. It functions as a strong antiandrogen and a weak progestogen. As an antiandrogen, CPA works by blocking androgen receptors and lowering testosterone levels, making it effective in treating conditions influenced by excessive androgen activity. It is commonly used in the management of conditions like severe acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and certain forms of prostate cancer.
In addition to its antiandrogenic action, cyproterone acetate also exerts some progestogenic effects. This dual action makes it useful in hormone therapy, particularly in the context of treating conditions related to androgen sensitivity or excess. CPA is often combined with ethinylestradiol, a synthetic form of estrogen, to counteract hyperandrogenism and its related symptoms.
Cyproterone acetate's mechanism involves competitively inhibiting the binding of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a potent androgen – to androgen receptors. By doing so, it reduces the androgenic activity in tissues, which can be beneficial in conditions where androgens contribute to disease processes, such as certain types of hair loss and skin disorders.
In the context of hair loss treatment, CPA is occasionally used to manage female pattern hair loss, especially in cases where this is believed to be due to an excess of androgens. Its use in this area, however, is more common in Europe and other regions than in the United States, where treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are more typically prescribed.
While cyproterone acetate can be effective in managing conditions related to androgen excess, it is also associated with various potential side effects, including menstrual irregularities, liver function disturbances, and tiredness. Its use needs careful monitoring and is generally considered when other treatment options are unsuitable or ineffective.
the use of cyproterone for hair loss is typically more common in Europe and less so in the United States, where other treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are more standard. Cyproterone is known to have a range of potential side effects, including menstrual irregularities, fatigue, and liver issues, and its use is generally monitored closely by healthcare providers.
Research on cyproterone for hair loss has shown varying results, with some studies indicating its effectiveness in increasing hair density and reducing hair loss in women with androgenetic alopecia. Despite its potential benefits, the use of cyproterone is often reserved for specific cases where other treatments are not suitable or have not been effective.
In summary, cyproterone is a potent antiandrogen used in the treatment of androgen-dependent conditions, including some cases of hair loss. While it can be effective, its use is typically limited due to potential side effects and the availability of other treatments.
Research
20 / 1000+ results![Use of cyproterone acetate (CPA) in the treatment of acne, hirsutism and virilism](/images/research/e0e269e4-42e1-4a8e-b849-9f46f1f2459c/small/21253.jpg)
research Use of cyproterone acetate (CPA) in the treatment of acne, hirsutism and virilism
research Pharmacology and Potential Use of Cyproterone Acetate
![A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism](/images/research/6f5fdeed-099c-476e-8529-8a5ddbd1dff3/small/2227.jpg)
research A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Low Dose Flutamide, Finasteride, Ketoconazole, and Cyproterone Acetate-Estrogen Regimens in the Treatment of Hirsutism
research Cyproterone acetate for severe hirsutism:results of a double‐blind dose‐ranging study*
research Cyproterone acetate for hirsutism
research Effect of cyproterone acetate on hair growth, sebaceous secretion and endocrine parameters in a hirsute subject
research Androgen metabolism in hirsute patients treated with cyproterone acetate
research The Evaluation of the Role of Androgens in Hirsutism and the Use of a New Anti-androgen “Cyproterone Acetate” for Therapy
![Comparison of cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol and finasteride in the treatment of hirsutism](/images/research/c64d57e6-9c11-4125-8830-185c9e3044cb/small/2191.jpg)
research Comparison of cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol and finasteride in the treatment of hirsutism
![11 Treatment of hirsutism and acne with cyproterone acetate](/images/research/db157705-b00d-473b-99d8-04b43e956e01/small/20542.jpg)
research 11 Treatment of hirsutism and acne with cyproterone acetate
research Cyproterone acetate-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: effect of particle size on skin penetration and follicular targeting
research Treatment of Hirsutism, Acne and Alopecia with Cyproterone Acetate
![Consecutive Cyproterone Acetate and Estradiol Treatment in Late-Pubertal Transgender Female Adolescents](/images/research/5f383b50-27e5-47fd-96bf-e403c29a36a1/small/28034.jpg)
research Consecutive Cyproterone Acetate and Estradiol Treatment in Late-Pubertal Transgender Female Adolescents
research Cyproterone Acetate in the Treatment of Sexual Disorders: Pharmacological Base and Clinical Experience
![Effect of cyproterone acetate on rate of hair growth in hirsute females](/images/research/ac0161f1-5c58-471e-936a-574ec5c7b691/small/28337.jpg)
research Effect of cyproterone acetate on rate of hair growth in hirsute females
![Cyproterone acetate as initial treatment and maintenance therapy for hirsutism](/images/research/81e3a64e-4ecb-4d5d-8afd-e4a0848fe568/small/28307.jpg)
research Cyproterone acetate as initial treatment and maintenance therapy for hirsutism
![The effect of cyproterone acetate on hair roots and hair shaft diameter in androgenetic alopecia in females](/images/research/d04e2b94-0836-45ff-bfb4-ac3abe274e3c/small/1904.jpg)
research The effect of cyproterone acetate on hair roots and hair shaft diameter in androgenetic alopecia in females
![The use of cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol in hyperandrogenic skin symptoms – a review](/images/research/96c1cf5f-908f-4b69-9f6c-0c77be65bb3e/small/13771.jpg)
research The use of cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol in hyperandrogenic skin symptoms – a review
![Shortness of breath: an uncommon side-effect of cyproterone acetate in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia](/images/research/472689fa-5bd4-44e4-9a17-2d5527436814/small/2444.jpg)