Polycystic Ovaries Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Polycystic Ovaries, including details on treatment, symptoms, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility.

Spironolactone for hirsutism in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Christy NA, Franks AS, Cross LB

College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, University of Tennessee Family Practice Center, Memphis, TN 38119-0213, USA. nchristy@utmem.edu

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of evidence for treatment of hirsutism associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with spironolactone. DATA SOURCES: Studies and reports were located in MEDLINE (1966-January 2005), EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts through the second week of January 2005. DATA SYNTHESIS: Hirsutism is a common clinical problem and is often associated with PCOS. Research has been performed to assess the efficacy of spironolactone therapy in patients with hirsute characteristics. Five studies that evaluated the effectiveness of spironolactone for hirsutism in PCOS were identified and reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of multiple treatment options on the subjective and objective measures of hirsutism have displayed varying results. The outcomes reported to date have shown a positive trend toward using spironolactone in women with PCOS and hirsutism.

Published 16 August 2005 in Ann Pharmacother, 39(9): 1517-21.
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