From: Melissa
Date: 9/5/00
Time: 1:36:26 PM
Remote Name: 24.69.144.121
It's very possible that the rise in testosterone and estradiol may only be experienced by men. Casodex and flutamide are nonsteroidal anti-androgens and are the only kind of drugs reported to have this feedback loop, as you call it. Casodex has yet to be studied in women, but I believe flutamide has been studied quite a bit. I am almost sure that I've read studies on flutamide treatment in women with PCOS that said they experienced an increase in plasma testosterone levels. I don't know whether I can agree with your endo that women don't have the ability to make high amounts of testosterone, because I personally know women with both PCOS and LOCAH who have either testosterone and DHEA-S levels that are comparable to the levels men produce. But whether or not these drug do cause a rise in testosterone isn't very important because the anti-androgenic action of these drugs will prevent them from having an effect on the hair or skin itself.
And I agree that if this rise in testosterone was responsible for the reappearance of acne or hair loss, it would most likely have virilizing effects on the entire body, not just the hair.
These message boards are full of info that can be very helpful to women and lead them in the right direction towards a diagnosis and inform them about good and bad experiences other women have had on various meds. But as you mentioned, no drug works the same for all women. Women should never self-diagnose and self-treat themselves because of any advice they have been given on this site. One should always take what they have learned and go to their doctor with it. Educating themselves by doing their own research is the best thing they can do. I would have never been diagnosed with my own condition had I not spend lots of time doing so.
The book you recommend is excellent. I have a copy of it myself! Thanks for bringing it up. :)
Take care, Melissa
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