Hairloss Study Abstract: Efficacy of low-dose GnRH analogue (Buserelin) in the treatment of hirsutism.
Title
Efficacy of low-dose GnRH analogue (Buserelin) in the treatment of hirsutism.
Author
Bertoli A; Fusco A; Magnani A; Marini MA; Di Daniele N; Gatti S; Lauro R
Address
Cattedra di Medicina Interna, II Università di Roma, Italy.
Source
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes, 103: 1, 1995, 15-20
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of low dose GnRH analogue
(Buserelin) on gonadal steroid secretion and hair growth in hirsute women. The drug was
administered as a nasal spray (200 micrograms tid) to reduce gonadal steroid secretion.
Eight hirsute women were treated for six month with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone
analog. All had subclinical polycystic ovary syndromes on the basis of ultrasound or
hormonal data, together with ovary dysfunctions and irregular menses. None had adrenal or
pituitary dysfunction. The score of hirsutism was evaluated according to Ferriman and
Gallway; pituitary function was evaluated measuring the FSH and LH response to GnRH
stimulation and gonadal steroid secretion by measuring estradiol, progesterone, total
plasma testosterone, androstenedione and androstanediol. Sex hormone binding globulin,
insulin, prolactin and DHEA-S were also measured. The suppression of ovarian steroid
secretion was confirmed by reductions in total plasma testosterone, and rostenedione and
androstanediol that were detectable after one month of treatment. FSH and LH responses to
GnRH stimulation were inhibited consistent with pituitary desensitization. No significant
side effects were observed and all patients completed the trial. The score of hirsutism
was 24 +/- 5 before, 19.6 +/- 6 by the 3rd month and 16.8 +/- 5.1 by the 6th month of
treatment (p < 0.001); the effect was still evident 1 and 6 months after the withdrawal
of the therapy (14.8 +/- and 15.8 +/- 5 respectively; p < 0.001). Our findings indicate
that Buserelin is useful in the treatment of non adrenal hirsutism when other forms of
therapy are contraindicated or poorly tolerated by the patient.