Clinical Review

Polycystic ovary syndrome: 3 key challenges

OBG Manag. 2003 June;15(6):62-72

References

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TABLE 2

Medical therapies for PCOS-associated hirsutism

AGENT	DOSE	MAJOR SIDE EFFECTS	FDA-APPROVED USE
Androgen-receptor antagonists
Flutamide	250 mg/d	Elevated liver enzymes	Adjuvant for prostate cancer
		Dry skin
		Urine discoloration
Spironolactone	25-100 mg/d	Polyuria	Diuretic
		Orthostatic hypotension
		Hyperkalemia
Cyproterone acetate	100 mg/d	Adrenal insufficiency	Not available in United States
Cyproterone acetate	100 mg/d	Loss of libido	Not available in United States
5α-reductase inhibitor
Finasteride	1-5 mg/d	Teratogenic in a male fetus	Male alopecia
Finasteride	1-5 mg/d	Teratogenic in a male fetus	Prostate cancer

Dr. Stovall reports no affiliations or financial arrangements with any of the manufacturers of products mentioned in this article.