Clinical efficacy of low dose flutamide plus diane-35 in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: Idiopathic hirsutism (IH) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are the most common causes of hirsutism which affects 5-10 % of all women. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of flutamide plus diane 35 in the treatment of idiopathic hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome. Materials and Methods: 26 polycystic ovary syndrome and 24 idiopathic hirsutism patients wereevaluated. Fifty patients were divided into two groups according to their diagnosis: idiopathic hirsutism or polycystic ovary syndrome. All patients received 125mg Flutamide once a day and Diane 35 tablets for 21 days of each month, for 12 months. We measured hirsutism scores and hormonal levels of all patients. Evaluations were done before treatment, in the 6th and 12th months of therapy. Results: There were no significant differences in Ferriman-Gallwey scores at the beginning and at the end of the therapy between the IHand PCOS groups. The decreases in Ferriman-Gallwey scores were significant in both groups in the 6th and 12th month of therapy. Combined treatment significantly decreased total and free testosterone, DHEAS and significantly increased SHBG levels in both groups andadditionally decreased levels of LH, androstenodione and LH/FSH ratio in the polycystic ovary syndrome group. Conclusion: Combined treatment was effective and safe in the treatment of hirsutism. Combined regimens have additional effects on the treatment of hirsutism.