Action of danazol on plasma lipids and lipoprotein metabolism.
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Danazol therapy rapidly reduces HDL cholesterol while increasing LDL cholesterol, though it may offer a beneficial reduction in lipoprotein(a).
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Abstract
Danazol, a weakly androgenic, heterocyclic compound with anabolic properties, is used primarily in the treatment of endometriosis and other gynecological complaints. Early reports indicated that the drug had little effect on plasma lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels but recently concern has been expressed over more subtle changes reported in plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism after danazol treatment. Therapy produces a rapid reduction in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (particularly in the putatively cardioprotective HDL2 subfraction) coupled with a rise in the pro-atherogenic low density lipoprotein (LDL). These apparently unwanted actions are balanced against a possibly beneficial reduction in the atherogenic lipoprotein(a) fraction. The mechanism of these changes induced by danazol is unknown but probably relates to effects on hepatic lipase, LDL receptor and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase activity. While it is prudent to recognize the potential detriment that may follow these perturbations, concern is only warranted where therapy is prolonged (> 12 months) or given to subjects with a high background risk of ischemic heart disease.
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Cited by (11)
- Danazol causes significant changes in the cardiometabolic profile of patients with acquired aplastic anaemia 2025
- Chapitre 3 : Prise en charge médicale de la douleur associée à l'endométriose 2019
- Danazol alters mitochondria metabolism of fibrocystic breast Mcf10A cells 2017
- Guidelines for management of endometriosis 2011
- Medical Management of Pain Associated With Endometriosis 2010
- Drug-Induced Lipid Changes 2001
- Endométriose rénale. À propos d'un cas 2001
- Voice changes following androgenic hormone treatment in women 2001
- Endometriosis 2000
- Voice changes in women treated for endometriosis and related conditions: The need for comprehensive vocal assessment 1998
- Vesical endometriosis: Report of two cases and review of the literature 1996
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- europepmc
- last seen: 2026-06-04T01:30:01.192114+00:00
- openalex
- last seen: 2026-05-10T11:25:41.010703+00:00
- pubmed
- last seen: 2026-05-13T22:11:29.222973+00:00
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