Spironolactone Therapy for Hyperandrogenic Anovulatory Women: Clinical and Endocrinological Study

    January 1986 in “ PubMed ”
    T Masahashi, Ming Chao Wu, Masami Ohsawa, Mitsuoki Asai, Yoshiyasu Ichikawa, Kazuo Hanai, Humitaka Kikkawa, Shigehiko Mizutani, O Narita, Yutaka Tsutsumi
    From the encyclopedia
    Spironolactone →

    powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

    Estradiol →

    an estrogen promoting hair regrowth more commonly used in women

    Studysummary This study found that spironolactone may improve acne and some ovarian functions in patients with irregular menstrual periods and androgenic symptoms, while causing few side effects. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    In a study conducted 38 years ago, 17 women with irregular menstrual periods and androgenic symptoms such as excessive hair growth, acne, and oily skin were treated with spironolactone. The patients had significantly higher basal levels of serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone than the controls. After a 4-week treatment with spironolactone, serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone showed significant decreases. The treatment resulted in the improvement or disappearance of acne in 4 out of 5 patients and improvement of excessive hair growth in 2 out of 10 patients. Two patients in the amenorrheic group ovulated. Side effects were temporary and included tiredness, weakness, polyuria, and polydipsia. The study concluded that spironolactone has beneficial effects on ovarian function and few side effects, suggesting it may be an effective anti-androgen, especially for hyperandrogenic anovulatory patients.
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