TREATMENT OF HIRSUTISM WITH A GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONE AGONIST AND ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Creator
Morcos R N; Abdulmalak M E; Shikora E
Publisher
Fertility and Sterility
Date
1994
1994-03
Description
Objective: To determine the efficacy of treatment of significant hirsutism with a GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and estrogen and progestin replacement therapy. Design: Clinical series. Setting: Ambulatory gynecology clinic in a community hospital. Patients: Ten women with significant hirsutism caused by polycystic ovarian disease. Interventions: The patients were treated with leuprolide acetate 20 mu g/kg per day in combination with E(2) (2 mg) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 mg) for 6 months. Main Outcome Measure: Hirsutism scores and hair growth rates determined before and upon completion of treatment protocol. Results: Hirsutism scores and hair growth rates significantly decreased by 23% and 26%, respectively. The duration of hirsutism was the only significant covariate for hirsutism scores and hair growth rates. Only two patients had minimal, irregular bleeding that was corrected by increasing the estrogen dose. Conclusion: The combination of a GnRH-a and estrogen replacement therapy was an effective and well-tolerated treatment in a small group of women with significant hirsutism caused by PCOD.