Induction of ovulation with spironolactone (Aldactone) in anovulatory oligomenorrheic and hyperandrogenic women.

Thirteen anovulatory oligomenorrheic, hyperandrogenic, and normoprolactinemic women were treated with spironolactone (aldactone) throughout six consecutive menstrual cycles in a dosage of 100 to 150 mg/day. During this treatment a significant decrease in serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, prolactin, and 17-ketosteroid values were observed that were accompanied by ovulation in 11 women (85%), according to basal body temperature (BBT) and progesterone values. In addition, improvement of hirsutism was observed in 9 (70%) and restoration of regular cycles in 11 (85%) of the patients. The side effects observed were mild and did not lead to interruption of the treatment. Our data suggest that the antiandrogenic properties of spironolactone render it a suitable agent in the treatment of anovulatory, oligomenorrheic, and hyperandrogenic women.