Effects of an oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate and dienogest on circulating androgen levels and acne in young patients with PCOS: an observational preliminary study

Costantino Di Carlo, Virginia Gargano, Stefania Sparice, Giovanni A. Tommaselli, Giuseppe Bifulco, Carmine Nappi
Gynecological endocrinology : the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology · 2013 · vol. 29(12) , pp. 1048–1050 · doi:10.3109/09513590.2013.831834 · PMID:24020909 · W2058886341
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This observational study found that estradiol valerate/dienogest treatment improved acne in 52.8% of young PCOS patients and increased SHBG levels, though testosterone levels did not significantly decrease.

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Abstract

This study shows the effect of a 1 year treatment with an estradiol valerate/dienogest pill in 36 women suffering from polycystic ovaries and mild or moderate acne. At beginning of the study, 24 patients (66.7%) had grade 1-2 (mild) acne and 12 patients (33.3%) had grade 3 (moderate) acne. After 12 cycles of therapy, we found an improvement of acne in 19 (52.8%) patients and a worsening of acne in 3 (8.4%) patients. The percentage of patients recovered was statistically significant (p < 0.01). SHBG levels were significantly higher after 6 and 12 months of therapy (p < 0.001), while total testosterone levels were lower in all patients at 6 and 12 months although this trend did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the E2V/DNG pill could exert a positive influence on acne and hyperandrogenism. Since this is an observational study on a very limited population number, additional randomized controlled studies on larger populations are needed also to determine the effects of this contraceptive over longer periods of use.

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MeSH descriptors

Acne Vulgaris Androgens Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal Estradiol Nandrolone Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Acne Vulgaris Acne Vulgaris Adolescent Androgens Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal Estradiol Estradiol Female Humans Longitudinal Studies Nandrolone Nandrolone Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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