Ultrasound study of ovarian and uterine morphology in women with polycystic ovary syndrome before, during and after treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinyloestradiol.

Women with the polycystic ovary syndrome were treated cyclically for two years with an oral oestrogen/progestogen combination of 50 mg of cyproterone acetate and 0.05 mg of ethinyloestradiol. Ovarian volume, ovarian texture and uterine size were monitored by ultrasound before, during and after treatment. Menstrual rhythm, ovulation and the degree of hirsutism were also studied clinically. A significant decrease in the ovarian volume and in the number of cystic areas was observed during treatment. Hirsutism was also markedly improved. Some of these beneficial effects persisted after treatment was stopped. The number of subjects who had regular, ovulatory cycles increased after stopping treatment. Growth of uterine muscle occurred during treatment.