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

Figures & data

Table 1 Clinical manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome

Menstrual abnormalities (including oligo-amenorrhea, polymenorrhea, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding)

Excess facial and body terminal hair growth, and hirsutism

Seborrhea and acne

Alopecia

Obesity and central (visceral) fat distribution

Acanthosis nigricans and acrochordons

Polycystic ovaries

Modified with permission from Azziz R, Nestler JE, et al eds. 2006. Androgen excess disorders in women, polycystic ovary syndrome and other disorders. 2nd ed. Totowa, New Jersey: Humana Press.

Table 2 Currently available progestins and their androgenic effects

Progestin	Androgenic effect
Levonorgestrel	High
Norgestrel	High
Norethindrone	Medium
Norethindrone acetate	Medium
Ethynodiol diacetate	Low
Norgestimate	None
Desogestrel	None
Drosperinone	Antiandrogenic

Figure 1 Structure of drospirenone (1a) and spironolactone (1b).

AzzizRNestlerJEAndrogen excess disorders in women, polycystic ovary syndrome and other disorders20062Totowa, New JerseyHumana Press

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