Systematic Treatment With Sex Hormones in Dermatology
February 1976
in “
PubMed
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sex hormone therapy hormonal contraceptives antiandrogenic side effects female acne seborrhoea androgenic alopecia hirsutism androgen-effective oral contraceptives Eunomin chlormadinone SH therapy birth control pills antiandrogenic effects acne oily skin hair loss excessive hair growth oral contraceptives Eunomin chlormadinone
TLDR Sex hormone therapy is effective for certain skin conditions like acne and seborrhea, but less so for female hair loss and excessive hair growth.
In 1976, dermatologists critically evaluated sex hormone (SH) therapy due to the removal of a group of hormonal contraceptives from the market. These contraceptives were used in treating skin diseases due to their antiandrogenic side effects. SH therapy was found to be effective in treating hormonally induced skin disorders, such as those involving oil or endocrine secretion, and hair growth. It was indicated for the treatment of female acne, with a 70% success rate reported after 2-6 months of intensive therapy. It was also effective for seborrhoea, with a 90% success rate reported after 1-3 months of intensive treatment. However, the results were limited for female androgenic alopecia and hirsutism. It was recommended that patients with skin disorders avoid any androgen-effective oral contraceptives, even for birth control purposes, due to potential androgenic aftereffects. The 2-phased Eunomin with chlormadinone was one recommended hormonal antiandrogenic preparation available at that time.
