Spironolactone Therapy for Hyperandrogenic Anovulatory Women: Clinical and Endocrinological Study

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.