Long-Term Treatment of Virilized Women with Cyproterone Acetate

The study involved 76 women with virilizing features, including 68 with hirsutism and 8 with acne, treated with cyproterone acetate for an average of 25 months. The treatment was deemed clinically successful in 75% of cases, with better outcomes in adrenal hirsutism and in women under 35. Side effects were noted in 31 women, primarily bleeding anomalies and fatigue, linked to the gestagenic component, while 12 women experienced positive effects like weight reduction and improved depression, attributed to the antiandrogenic component. Hormonal analysis showed significant reductions in plasma androstendione and testosterone levels, indicating changes in steroid metabolism. The study highlighted the primary mechanism of cyproterone acetate as peripheral receptor inhibition, with an 86% selected continuation rate over 4.5 years.