Combined oral contraception was used in many studies for treatment of acne and hirsutism.
However, levonorgestrel (LNG) alone has not been evaluated before. Our objective
is to evaluate the efficacy of oral contraceptive (OC) pills containing LNG and ethinyl
estradiol (EE) compared with LNG only for the treatment of acne and hirsutism in a randomized,
controlled prospective clinical trial. Eighty females (20 with acne, 20 with hirsutism,
and 40 healthy females) received LNG + EE or LNG only for 6 months.
Assessment of acne by global acne grading system (GAGS) and hirsutism by modified
Ferriman-Gallwey scale (MFGS) grading system and serum free testosterone was measured
before and 6 months after treatment. Serum free testosterone was significantly
higher before treatment in acne and hirsutism patients compared to control group
(P < .000). In acne patients, after 6 months of treatment with LNG/EE, serum free testosterone,
and (GAGS), were significantly decreased compared to LNG only (P < .000). In
hirsutism group, after 6 months of treatment with LNG/EE, serum free testosterone and
(MFGS), were nonsignificantly decreased compared to LNG only. OCs containing either
LNG/EE or LNG seem to be effective and safe treatment for acne and hirsutism.