Dose-response effect of depot leuprolide acetate on serum androgens in hirsute women.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the dose of leuprolide acetate (LA) needed to maximally suppress serum androgens in hirsute women.

DESIGN

Prospective, dose-escalation study.

SETTING

Outpatient endocrinology clinic.

PATIENTS: Eight hyperandrogenic women with moderate to severe hirsutism.

INTERVENTIONS: A LA dose-response study was done in women receiving depot LA plus estrogen-progestin replacement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum concentrations of T, androstenedione (A), and basal and GnRH-stimulated LH.

RESULTS

The lowest LA dose (3.75 mg/mo) suppressed serum T by 62% +/- 6% and A by 56% +/- 7%. No further decrease in serum androgens was seen with doses up to 15 mg/mo. Maximal suppression of basal and stimulated LH was also seen with the lowest dose of LA.

CONCLUSIONS

As opposed to results previously published in children with precocious puberty, the 3.75 mg dose of depot LA is sufficient to maximally suppress serum androgens in hyperandrogenic women.