Long-Term Treatment of Virilized Women with Cyproterone Acetate

The study involved 76 women with virilizing features, treated with cyproterone acetate for an average of 25 months. Treatment was deemed successful in 75% of cases, particularly in adrenal hirsutism and in women under 35. Side effects, such as bleeding anomalies and fatigue, were noted in 31 women, attributed to the gestagenic component, while 12 women experienced positive effects like weight reduction and hair loss reversal due to the antiandrogenic component. Hormonal controls indicated significant reductions in plasma androgens, suggesting alterations in steroid metabolism, with the primary mechanism being peripheral receptor inhibition. The continuation rate was high, with 86% of selected subjects continuing treatment over 4.5 years.