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

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2013 Dec;29(12):1048-50. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2013.831834. Epub 2013 Sep 10.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / complications
  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Adolescent
  • Androgens / blood*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / administration & dosage*
  • Estradiol / administration & dosage
  • Estradiol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Nandrolone / administration & dosage
  • Nandrolone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / analysis
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Testosterone
  • dienogest
  • Estradiol
  • Nandrolone