Anti-Androgen Therapy in Female Adult Acne

April 2016 in “ Journal of Dermatology Research and Therapy ”

Jing Gao, Mahto Anjali

anti-androgen therapy female adult acne hyperandrogenism cyproterone acetate CPA spironolactone flutamide sebum production liver toxicity menstrual irregularities diuresis hepatic toxicity

TLDR Anti-androgens are safe and effective for treating moderate to severe adult female acne.

The document reviewed the effectiveness of anti-androgen therapy for treating female adult acne, particularly in cases resistant to first-line treatments or associated with hyperandrogenism. It discussed cyproterone acetate (CPA), spironolactone, and flutamide, noting that CPA showed a 75-90% improvement but had side effects like liver toxicity and menstrual irregularities. Spironolactone, effective at 50-100 mg, reduced sebum production and improved acne but caused diuresis and menstrual irregularities. Flutamide was effective but limited by severe hepatic toxicity. The review concluded that anti-androgens are a safe and effective option for moderate to severe acne in adult women, though more high-quality studies are needed to compare their efficacy.

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