Cyproterone
Cyproterone is an anti-androgen medicine. It is used in women when androgen activity contributes to acne or unwanted hair growth. It is often combined with ethinylestradiol in a single tablet. The combination is used for hormone-related skin and hair conditions.
Medicine containing Cyproterone
Key points
- Cyproterone attaches to androgen receptors and stops testosterone and similar hormones from binding to them.
- It is used in women for severe acne, acne vulgaris, hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia.
- A history of blood clots, liver problems or cardiovascular disease should be reviewed before treatment starts.
What it is used for
Cyproterone treats conditions linked to androgen sensitivity in women. It can be used for severe acne and for acne vulgaris when other treatments have not helped enough. It is also used for hirsutism, where excess hair growth is a concern, and for androgenetic alopecia, where hair thinning is related to androgen activity. The aim is to reduce the effect of androgens on oil glands and hair follicles.
How it works
Androgens are hormones such as testosterone. They are classed as male sex hormones, but they are also present in women. Cyproterone blocks androgen receptors, so testosterone and related hormones cannot attach to them. This lowers the response of tissues that are sensitive to androgens. Oil production in the skin falls, and hair growth in androgen-sensitive areas is suppressed. Skin clarity and hair patterns may improve over time.
Forms and combined products
Cyproterone is usually taken as a film-coated tablet. It is often combined with a synthetic oestrogen. Diane 35 is a combined tablet containing cyproterone and ethinylestradiol at a 2/0.035 mg strength. It is used for acne vulgaris and hirsutism. Combined products differ in pack size, so the treatment duration can vary. The choice of combined product depends on availability and on the usual protocols in women’s health. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety and checks
Before starting cyproterone, a clinician should review any history of blood clots, liver problems or cardiovascular disease. Treatment should not start until that review has taken place. Hormonal treatment can affect mood and menstrual patterns. Common effects include changes in mood, breast tenderness and altered menstrual cycles. Any reaction that is severe, persistent or different from your normal health should be checked. Cyproterone may interact with other treatments or underlying health factors. The product labelling and a trusted clinical source are the right places to check contraindications, interactions and side effects.
Further reading
Last updated