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DRUG INFORMATION ROUNDS

Spironolactone for Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Primary Care Specialty Resident, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee, University of Tennessee Family Practice Center, Memphis, TN

Andrea S Franks, PharmD BCPS

Assistant Professor, Departments of Pharmacy and Family Medicine, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis

L Brian Cross, PharmD CDE

Assistant Professor, Departments of Pharmacy and Family Medicine, Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis

Reprints: Dr. Christy, University of Tennessee Family Practice Center, 1301 Primacy Pkwy., Memphis, TN 38119-0213, fax 901/448-0404, nchristy{at}utmem.edu

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of evidence for treatment of hirsutism associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with spironolactone.

DATA SOURCES: Studies and reports were located in MEDLINE (1966–January 2005), EMBASE, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts through the second week of January 2005.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Hirsutism is a common clinical problem and is often associated with PCOS. Research has been performed to assess the efficacy of spironolactone therapy in patients with hirsute characteristics. Five studies that evaluated the effectiveness of spironolactone for hirsutism in PCOS were identified and reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS: The effects of multiple treatment options on the subjective and objective measures of hirsutism have displayed varying results. The outcomes reported to date have shown a positive trend toward using spironolactone in women with PCOS and hirsutism.

Key Words: hirsutism, polycystic ovary syndrome, spironolactone

Published Online, August 2, 2005. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1G025