Estro-Progestogen Combinations: Effect on Sex Steroid Binding Protein Synthesis

In a study from 1988, 50 fertile non-obese women with moderate body hair growth and 30 matched controls were assessed for various hormonal levels. The women with body hair growth had significantly higher levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and prolactin (PRL), and lower levels of sex steroid binding protein (SBP) compared to controls. Prolactin levels were found to be independent of other measured parameters, while a negative correlation existed between DHEA-S and SBP. Treatment with ethynylestradiol combined with either desogestrel or cyproterone acetate, which increased SBP levels, led to clinical improvement in the subjects. This suggests that before deciding on a treatment for mild body hair growth, PRL levels should be considered, and treatments that increase SBP might be beneficial.