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Androcur (cyproterone) is an antiandrogen used in a number of conditions, most notably prostate cancer, acne and excessive hair growth. Less commonly it can be used as a component of treating early-onset puberty, hormonal birth control, to control hyper or deviant sexuality, and to help men develop female characteristics.

Unless treating early-onset puberty, this medication should not be used in patients under 18 years old or those who are not yet sexually mature. The medication can significantly interfere with still-developing bodies.

The medication works by blocking androgen receptors in the body while also inhibiting production of androgen hormones in the testes, lowering levels of androgens in the body and restricting use of those that are left. The medication also activates progesterone receptors, which are involved in the menstruation and pregnancy cycles in women.

Androcur for Men

Androcur sees its most use in men, particularly with respect to prostate cancer. Most prostate cancer uses androgens as fuel, allowing the cancer to thrive and grow; Androcur restricts the availability of androgens. Men are usually given Androcur when the cancer is in an advanced stage.

To treat prostate cancer in men with testicles intact:

• Take 200 to 300 mg per day, divided into two or three doses.
• Doses should be taken following a meal.

In men who have had testicles removed:

• Take 100 to 200 mg per day, divided into two or three doses.

To alleviate hypersexuality or deviant sexual behaviors:

• Start with 50 mg taken two or three times per day. Dosage can be increased to 100 mg if needed.
• Dosage may be significantly decreased after a few weeks at higher doses.

Treatment in all cases can continue indefinitely, for as long as it provides benefit.

Androcur for Women

In women, the medication is used as part of birth control or hormone replacement therapy. Women of childbearing age who have a uterus and menstruate normally should start treatment on the first day of the cycle (first day of bleeding). Women who have a uterus but don't menstruate can start the medication any time; the day it's started will be counted as the first day of the cycle.

Starting on day 1 of the cycle:

• Take 50 to 100 mg once per day.
• Continue treatment for 10 days.
• After 10 days, resume treatment on day 1 of the next cycle---either the first day of bleeding or in 20 days.

Women who have had a hysterectomy:

• Take 25 to 50 mg once per day for 21 days.
• Stop taking Androcur for 7 days, then repeat treatment.

Treatment may continue for as long as it's deemed necessary. In women using Androcur as part of hormone replacement therapy, the need to continue therapy should be reassessed every 6 months.

Androcur for Both Genders

Androcur has several uses that apply to both genders; most commonly it's used to control acne or prevent hyperandrogenism, in which there's too much androgen in the body. This can produce a wide range of unpleasant side effects in both genders:

• Excess facial or body hair
• Excess weight around the abdomen
• Irregular periods
• Acne or oily skin
• Thinning scalp hair
• Pigmented areas of the skin
• Deep voice
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol

Treatment will depend on how severe the condition is, and also depend on whether the patient is male or female. Note that hyperandrogenism is not the only possible cause for the above symptoms; patients should have it diagnosed before starting treatment. In general, treatment consists of 25 to 50 mg per day, though dosage may be considerably higher.