Antiandrogenic progestins for treatment of signs of androgenisation and hormonal contraception.

For treating signs of androgenisation (seborrhoea, acne, hirsutism, alopecia) ethinylestradiol in combination with an antiandrogenic progestin is the treatment of choice in adolescents and females throughout the reproductive years, since these combinations are also highly suitable for contraception. Under long-term treatment a favourable effect on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism can be seen due to the antiandrogenic properties of the progestins. These combinations also correct menstrual cycle disturbances and thus reduce the incidence of anaemia. In addition, the frequency of dysmenorrhoea and pelvic inflammatory disease will be lowered and there is a reduction in the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer.