[Ovarian suppression with Diane 35/50]

Abstract

In this study, hormone profiles were studied using Diane 35 and Diane 50 before and after treatment for 4-25 months. A comparison of the hormone profiles with Diane 35 or Diane 50 should investigate, if both preparations induce complete ovarian suppression, independent of the given dose of ethinyl oestradiol. 43 patients were treated with Diane 35 and 15 women with Diane 50 over a different lengths of time--up to a period of 25 cycles. Parallel to the determination of the hormone profiles (luteinising hormone [LH], follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], prolactin, oestrone [E1], oestradiol [E2], progesterone, total testosterone [T. T.], free testosterone [F. T.], dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate [DHEA-S], delta-4-androstenedione [A.] and sex hormone binding globulin [SHBG]), observations on the androgen symptoms before treatment and their course during therapy were made. Moreover, the ratios of LH/FSH and E1/E2 as well as the androgenic index, the ratio of total testosterone/SHBG were determined as control of treatment effects. The most important hormonal changes, which had been observed during a period up to two years are the following: --LH and FSH suppression--prolactin with increasing tendency--decrease of the total androgens and free testosterone-- decrease of the oestrogens E1, E2--increase of SHBG. The confirmation of the efficacy of the anti-androgen/oestrogen combination was reflected by the decline of the androgenic index in all groups. Acne and seborrhoe improved after 3-4 cycles; alopecia after 8-9 cycles and hirsutism diminished after 3 cycles of treatment. In spite of different doses of the combined preparations with 2 mg cyproteronacetate and 0.035 or 0.050 mg ethinyloestradiol, no difference in ovarian suppression as well clinical effects could be found.