ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Ginecologica 2008 June;60(3):239-43

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Effect on skin and hormonal hyperandrogenic manifestations of an oral estroprogestin association containing Ethynilestradiol 30 µg and Drospirenone 3 mg

Lello S. ^{1, 2}, Primavera G. ³, Colonna L. ³, Vittori G. ², Guardianelli F. ², Pallotta P. ³, Sorge R. ⁴, Bilchugova E. ³, Raskovic D. ³

¹ Servizio di Ginecologia Endocrinologica e Fisiopatologia della Menopausa, IRCCS - Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata Roma, Italia 2 Divisione di Ginecologia, IRCCS-Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata Ospedale San Carlo, Roma, Italia 3 Servizio di Dermocosmetologia e Fisiopatologia Cutanea, IRCCS- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata Roma, Italia 4 Laboratorio di Biometria, Università di Tor Vergata, Roma, Italia

Aim. This study evaluated hormonal and skin effects in hyperandrogenic women of an oral estroprogestin (EP) association containing ethynilestradiol 30 mcg plus drospirenone 3 mg.
Methods. Thirty two women with signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism (seborrhea, acne, increased hair); hormonal assessment (follicle-stimulating hormone, [FSH]; luteinizing hormone, LH; 17-hydroxi-progesterone, 17OHP; androstenedione, A, testosterone, T; dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEAS; sex hormone binding globulin, [SHBG]; Free Androgen Index [FAI, T×100/SHBG] was performed before the start of treatment, and after 3 and 6 months of administration of EP. The impact on seborrhea, acne, and hair pattern (Ferriman-Gallwey score) was assessed, and, by non-invasive technique, hydration, water transpiration, and homogeneity of the skin were evaluated.
Results. Treatment with this EP for 6 months decreased significantly circulating androgen levels (A, T, DHEAS) and FAI, and increased SHBG levels, also reducing seborrhea, acne and hirsutism. Moreover, EE/DRSP increased hydration and improved overall appearance of skin surface (homogeneity).
Conclusion. Treatment with EE 30 mcg+DRSP 3 mg improves hormonal pattern and skin appearance in hyperandrogenic patients, potentially with subsequent, beneficial effects on quality of life of these women.