<p>Cyproterone is a steroid compound with potent antiandrogenic, progestogenic and antigonadotrophic activity. It exerts its antiandrogenic effect by blocking androgen receptors. It also reduces androgen synthesis by a negative feedback effect on the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian systems. The estrogen component (Ethinylestradiol) increases levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and thus reduces the free circulating plasma levels of androgens. Cyproterone has no tendency to reduce SHBG levels.<br />
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If used alone in women,Cyproterone leads to menstrual cycle disturbances which are avoided when combined with Ethinylestradiol. When this tablet is administered in a cyclic manner, it has the added effect of preventing ovulation and possible conception.<br />
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The components of this tablet are rapidly absorbed after oral administration. Due to the long terminal half-life of Cyproterone, a 4-fold increase in plasma levels occurs after 6 to 12 days of daily dosing. Long-term therapy (36 months) with this product did not have a significant influence on lipid metabolism. A trend to increase plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed. There was a slight decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) with a simultaneous increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL).</p>