The Effect of an Oral Contraceptive Containing Ethinylestradiol and Desogestrel on Hair Growth and Hormonal Parameters of Hirsute Women

A study involving 22 hirsute women treated with a combination of 0.030 mg of ethinylestradiol and 0.150 mg of desogestrel (EE-DG) for 6 or 12 months showed a decrease in hair growth in 17 patients after 6 months. The treatment led to a significant reduction in the testosterone/sex hormone binding globulin (T/SHBG) ratio and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels, with a correlation between changes in hirsutism and the T/SHBG ratio. The study suggested that the therapeutic effect of EE-DG was due to combined changes in hormone levels, although the reduction in hair growth was slow, particularly on the face. Differences in clinical response were linked to variations in the T/SHBG ratio and DHEAS changes.