Effects of Flutamide, a Pure Antiandrogen, on Endocrine Parameters in the Adult Female Rat
January 1987
in “
Gynecological Endocrinology
”
Flutamide antiandrogen endocrine parameters estrous cycle uterine estrogen receptors ovarian LH receptors ovarian FSH receptors plasma 17ß-estradiol levels ovarian progestins adrenal progestins androgens hirsutism contraception feminization fertility Flutamide antiandrogen hormone levels menstrual cycle estrogen receptors luteinizing hormone receptors follicle-stimulating hormone receptors estradiol levels progestins androgens excessive hair growth birth control feminization fertility
TLDR Flutamide, an antiandrogen, has minimal impact on female rat endocrine systems and does not significantly change their reproductive cycles.
In 1987, a study was conducted to assess the impact of Flutamide, a pure antiandrogen, on endocrine parameters in adult female rats. The rats were treated with 5 mg of Flutamide twice daily for 16 days, covering 4 estrous cycles. The study concluded that Flutamide had minor effects on the endocrine system, with no significant changes in the estrous cycle, uterine estrogen receptors, ovarian LH and FSH receptors, or plasma 17ß-estradiol levels. There were some increases in ovarian and adrenal progestins and androgens at certain cycle stages, but these did not significantly affect plasma levels. The findings suggested that Flutamide could be used to treat conditions like hirsutism in women due to its minimal endocrine effects, but it was recommended to use it with contraception to prevent feminization of male fetuses. Normal fertility returned after stopping the treatment. The number of animals per experimental group varied, with some groups having as few as 5 pools of ovaries or adrenals and others having 10 individual animals.
