The Treatment of Hyperandrogenism with Oral Contraceptives
August 1989
in “
Seminars in reproductive medicine
”
TLDR Birth control pills are effective for treating women with too much male hormone.
The document discussed the use of oral contraceptives in treating hyperandrogenism, a condition characterized by excessive levels of androgens in women, which can lead to symptoms such as hirsutism, acne, and alopecia. The study reviewed the effectiveness of various oral contraceptive formulations in reducing androgen levels and alleviating these symptoms. It concluded that oral contraceptives, particularly those containing both estrogen and progestin, were effective in managing hyperandrogenism by suppressing ovarian androgen production and increasing the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, which reduces the availability of free androgens. The findings supported the use of oral contraceptives as a therapeutic option for women with hyperandrogenism.
