Steroid inhibitors of androgen-potentiated actions on skin
July 1983
in “
Journal of steroid biochemistry/Journal of Steroid Biochemistry
”
cyproterone acetate oestrogens oestradiol testosterone sebum secretion sebaceous mitoses hirsutism acne ethinyloestradiol sex hormone binding globulin androgens cyproterone acetate estrogens estradiol testosterone sebum production sebaceous cell division excessive hair growth acne ethinylestradiol SHBG male hormones
TLDR Certain hormones can reduce skin oil and hair growth, potentially helping treat acne and excessive hair in women.
The study investigated the effects of antiandrogens, such as cyproterone acetate, and estrogens on sebaceous secretion and their potential for treating hirsutism and acne. In castrated rats treated with testosterone, 3 μg/day of estradiol significantly reduced sebum secretion more than a much larger dose of cyproterone acetate. In hirsute women, 100 mg of cyproterone acetate daily reduced sebum secretion by 40% within 10 days, with an additional 20% reduction when combined with ethinyloestradiol. Hair growth reduction was observed after four months of treatment. The study suggested that these effects were mainly peripheral, with possible contributions from reduced plasma androgens and increased sex hormone-binding globulin. Local application of either compound also decreased sebum secretion in rats.
