Danazol in the Treatment of Gynaecomastia

Summary Gynaecomastia develops in association with a variety of underlying factors. Many cases are mild in degree and of short duration and do not require treatment. However, quite severe and painful gynaecomastia can occur. In such cases treatment with danazol can lead to a marked reduction in size and a lessening of pain and tenderness of the breasts. In 60 % of all patients a marked reduction of gynaecomastia can be expected and in a further 24 % a moderate reduction. Variable degrees of response occur in relation to the underlying aetiological cause. Therapy is associated with a demonstrable fall in the plasma concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) with a decreased urinary excretion of FSH and LH in most patients studied. A significant fall in plasma testosterone occurs in the majority of patients. Estimations of thyroidal and adrenal function show no change. Dosage schedules in adults range from 300 to 600mg a day and in adolescents from 200 to 300mg a day. Side effects of therapy relate mostly to the androgenic properties of danazol which may result in weight gain with fluid retention and acne. Muscle weakness and muscle cramps and spasms occur in a small percentage of patients. Similar content being viewed by others References Andrews, M.C. and Wentz, A.C.: The effects of danazol on gonadotrophins and steroid blood levels in normal and non-ovulatory women. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 121: 817–828 (1975). Buckle, R,: Studies on the treatment of gynaecomastia with danazol (danol). Journal of International Medical Research, 5(Suppl. 3): 114–123 (1977). Buckle, R.: Danazol therapy in gynaecomastia — recent experience and indications for therapy. Postgraduate Medical Journal (in press, 1979). Dmowski, W.P.; Scholer, H.F.L.; Mahesh, V.B. and Greenblatt, R.B.: Danazol — A synthetic steroid derivative with interesting physiologic properties. Fertility and Sterility 22: 9–18 (1971). Franchimont, P. and Cramilion, Cl.: The effect of danazol on anterior pituitary function. Fertility and Sterility 28: 814–817 (1977). Greenblatt, R.B.; Dmowski, W.P.; Mahesh, V.B. and Scholer, H.F.L.: Clinical studies with an antigonadotrophin — danazol. Fertility and Sterility 22: 102–112 (1971). Greenblatt, R.B.; Borenstein, R. and Hernandez-Ayup, S.: Experiences with danazol (an antigonadotrophin) in the treatment of infertility. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 118: 783–787 (1974). Jenkin, G.; Fraser, I.S.; Challis, J.R.G.; Elvidge, H. and Thorburn, G.D.: The effects of danazol on the pituitary-ovarian axis in the Rhesus monkey (Macaca Mulatta). Journal of International Medical Research 5: 44–56 (Suppl. 3, 1977). Lauersen, N.H. and Wilson, K.H.: The effect of danazol in the treatment of chronic cystic mastitis. Obstetrics and Gynecology 48: 93–98 (1976). Lieberman, B.A.; Thom, S.; Murray, M.A.F. and Jacobs, H.S.: Selective inhibition by danazol of follicle stimulating hormone during the luteal phase. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 84: 55–57 (1977). Potts, G.O.: Pharmacology of danazol. International Journal of Medical Research 5: 1–14 (Suppl. 3, (1977). Potts, G.O.; Beyler, A.L. and Schane, H.P.: Piuitary gonadotrophin inhibitory activity of danazol. Fertility and Sterility 25: 367–372 (1974). Sherins, R.J.; Gandy, H.M., Thorslund, T.W. and Paulsen, C.A.: Pituitary and testicular function studies. 1. Experience with a new gonadol inhibitor, 17a-Pregn-4-en-20-yno-(2, 3, -d) isoxazol-17-ol (danazol). Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 32: 522–531 (1971). Wood, G.P.; Wu, C.H.; Flickinger, G.L. and Mikhail, G.: Hormonal changes associated with danazol therapy. Obstetrics and Gynaecology 45: 302–304 (1975). Author information Authors and Affiliations Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Buckle, R. Danazol in the Treatment of Gynaecomastia. Drugs 19, 356–361 (1980). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198019050-00005 Published: Issue date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198019050-00005