Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Estroprogestins

    October 2025 in “ Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology ”
    Stefano Lello, A Fagotti, M. Vignali, Laura Colonna, Anna Capozzi
    From the encyclopedia
    Cyproterone →

    a synthetic anti-androgen and weak progestogen that inhibits DHT binding to androgen receptor

    Ethinylestradiol →
    Image
    Studysummary This review suggests that estroprogestins with anti-androgenic progestins, like cyproterone acetate and drospirenone, may effectively manage androgen excess in PCOS women, considering individual patient profiles. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    This review discusses the use of estroprogestins (EPs) in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, obesity, and androgenetic alopecia. EPs, particularly those containing anti-androgenic progestins like cyproterone acetate (CPA), drospirenone (DRSP), and dienogest (DNG) combined with ethinylestradiol (EE), are effective in reducing hyperandrogenic symptoms. However, due to a less favorable benefit-risk ratio of EE/CPA, other antiandrogenic progestins may be more suitable for treating PCOS, considering both hormonal and metabolic aspects. The review emphasizes the importance of selecting the most appropriate EP formulation based on the pharmacological profile and individual patient characteristics to effectively manage androgen excess in PCOS.
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