Spironolactone in combination with an oral contraceptive: an alternative treatment for hirsutism.

The clinical efficacy of a combination of spironolactone and an oral contraceptive pill (Conova 30) was assessed in 23 patients presenting with hirsutism of whom 20 completed 6 months of treatment. Of the 20 patients, 16 showed improvement on objective (Ferriman & Gallwey hair score) and subjective assessment. Serum levels of androgens (testosterone, androstenedione and 17-hydroxy progesterone) were suppressed and sex hormone binding globulins were elevated. Nausea was the only significant side effect.