Contraceptives antiandrogenic effects

D. Combined Oral Contraceptives Combined oral contraceptives exert an antiandrogenic effect when they are used in women with hirsutism that is due to excess production of androgenic steroids. The estrogen in the contraceptive acts in the liver to increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which in turn acts to reduce the concentration of free androgen in the blood. 

Normal sexual activity is associated with ovulation in most female mammals. Compounds affecting this process can adversely affect female libido. Ovarian failure induced by xenobiotic compounds has been associated with a decrease in libido in women. Certain types of oral contraceptives as well as drugs of abuse (methadone, cannabis, alcohol) cause decreases in female libido. The treatment for hirsutism, excessive growth of hair in both normal and abnormal locations, is the compound cyproterone acetate. It is an antiandrogen that has the side effect of severely decreasing libido in women. 

Hormonal treatment co-cyprindiol, containing cyproterone, an antiandrogen that decreases sebum production, and ethinyl estradiol, can be prescribed for women with moderate to severe acne. It also prevents ovulation and, although it is no more effective for acne than oral antibacterials, it is useful for women who also want oral contraception. 

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