Cyproterone acetate is a powerful progestin that plays the role of anti-androgen at the peripheral level. It has capacity to block androgen. And due to this there is fall in serum testosterone and androstenedione concentration. It is worth noting that this drug is effective in treating hirsutism. It is available in Europe, Canada, Australia and many other countries but not in USA. For treating hirsutism, the combination of cyproterone acetate of 50-100 mg and ethinyl estradiol 30-35 mg is used.

Cyproterone acetate has high progestin activity and thus it can be used to regularize the menstrual cycle for females who have irregular menses. It is also helpful for females who don’t have uterus. Cyproterone acetate which is helpful in treating hirsutism is believed to act in the following manner:

• It plays the role like the progesterone hormone in females
• It reduces the growth of the gonads
• It inhibits the action of androgens

This drug also helps in reducing the progression of hair loss and re-growth of hair. However, it has to be taken for a longer period to ensure that hair loss stops and there is hair re-growth. Some of the side effects of this drug include nausea, headache and mood swings. However, studies also indicate that this drug can have side effect on kidney and liver.