Quality of sexual life in hyperandrogenic women treated with an oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone acetate

Introduction. Hyperandrogenism produces change in quality of life of women.Aim. To prespectively determine the changes of the sexual behaviour of hyperandrogenic women using an oralcontraceptive containing 30 mg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg chlormadinone acetate (EE/CMA).Methods. Seventy-two volunteer women (age range, 18–32 years), with moderate to severe hirsutim and acne weretreated with EE/CMA for 9 cycles.Main Outcomes Measure(s). To assess hirsutism, the Ferriman-Gallwey (F-G) scoring system was used. SerumFSH, LH, estradiol, total and free testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, and SHBG levels were measured atbaseline and at the 9th cycle of pill intake. The Short Personal Experience Questionnaire (SPEQ), the ShortForm-36 (SF-36), and a visual analog scales questionnaires were used to assess the QoL, at baseline and after 3, 6 and9 cycles of pill use.Result(s). A reduction of 65% and 81% in the total mean F-G score was observed after the 6th cycle and the 9thcycle, respectively. The serum Androstenedione, and total and free testosterone levels decreased, and SHBG levelsincreased after the 9th cycle (p < 0.05). The SF-36 score was higher after 6 (p < 0.05) 9 cycles (p < 0.001) with respectto baseline. Frequency of sexual intercourse and of orgasm by intercourse increased, and the frequency of masturbationdecreased during the 6th (p < 0.05) and the 9th cycle (p < 0.001).Conclusion(s). The EE/CMA pill has anti-androgenic properties reducing the anti-aesthetic effect of hyperandrogenismand improving female sexual and social self-esteem.