Short term treatment of hirsutism related to micropolycystic ovary syndrome with a combination type oral contraceptive containing desogestrel.

The results of treatment of 17 hirsute women with confirmed micropolycystic ovary syndrome with a combined oral contraceptive containing 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 0.150 mg desogestrel are reported. The patients were 17-32 years of age within 15-25% of ideal body weight had normal LH and FSH levels and ratio and fairly regular cycles. After 5 21-day pill cycles the group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in serum total and free testosterone androstenedione dehydroepiandrosterone SO4 and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) rose about 4-fold depressing the free androgen index. Cortisol sampled at 0800-0900 was sharply decreased. ALthough there were variable improvements in greasiness and coarseness of hair and a marked clinical improvement based on the Ferriman and Gallway Index of hirsutism there was no apparent correlation between hirsutism index and the total testosterone/SHBG ratio.