Effect of a combination of ethinylestradiol and desogestrel in adolescents with oligomenorrhea and ovarian hyperandrogenism

The study involved 9 oligomenorrheic adolescent girls with ovarian hyperandrogenism and 8 eumenorrheic controls, treated with a monophasic oral contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol and 0.150 mg desogestrel for 6 months. The treatment reduced levels of LH, FSH, androstenedione, testosterone, and DHEA-S, while increasing SHBG in both groups. In oligomenorrheic girls, it also decreased ovarian volume and cystic follicles. However, most hormonal levels returned to pre-treatment values 3 months after stopping the treatment, except for SHBG and ovarian volume. Six oligomenorrheic girls reported improved skin and reduced hair growth. Despite its temporary effects, the treatment was effective in managing hyperandrogenism and may help prevent adult micropolycystic ovarian disease.