Use of ethinylestradiol/drospirenone combination in patients with the polycystic ovary syndrome

Review

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Authors: Ruchi Mathur, Olga Levin, Ricardo Azziz

Published Date April 2008 Volume 2008:4(2) Pages 487 - 492

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S6864

Ruchi Mathur¹, Olga Levin¹, Ricardo Azziz¹

¹Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, US

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine/metabolic disorders found in women, affecting approximately 105 million women worldwide. It is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, often presenting as oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea and either clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism. Combined oral contraceptive (COC) therapy has long been a cornerstone of care for women with PCOS. COC therapy often provides clinical improvement in the areas of excessive hair growth, unpredictable menses, acne, and weight gain. One of the main issues in COC therapy is choosing the most appropriate progestin component to provide the greatest anti androgenic effects. Drospirenone, a relatively new progestin, has shown benefit in the PCOS population when used in conjunction with ethinyl estradiol. We now review the role of COCs in PCOS, focusing specifically on drospirenone. Controversy over metabolic effects of COCs in PCOS is also discussed.

Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, oral contraceptives, drospirenone, treatment