Treatment of endometriosis: side effects of danazol


        TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS: SIDE EFFECTS OF DANAZOL

Danazol can cause a wide variety of side effects and there is a huge variation in the way that women respond to the drug. Most women experience some side effects and a few experience many. For some women the side effects are quite mild and of no real significance, while for others the side effects are severe and debilitating and they are unable to complete a course of treatment. A few women say that they have never felt better. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting how you will respond.
The number and severity of side effects experienced may be related to the dosage being taken, so reducing your dose to the lowest needed to stop your periods may reduce the side effects experienced.
Some of Danazol's side effects are due to the fact that it is a weak synthetic male hormone. It may cause both androgenic side effects (male characteristics) and anabolic side effects (bodybuilding effects).
The most common androgenic and anabolic side effects are weight gain, fluid retention, acne, oily skin and/or hair, bloating, decreased breast size, increase in facial and/or body hair, increased muscle bulk, deepening of the voice, change in appetite and enlargement of the clitoris.
Weight gain is by far the most common side effect of Danazol. The vast majority of women experience a significant gain in weight - usually one to five kilograms but occasionally more. Some women put on all or most of the increased weight quickly, while others gain weight gradually. Once treatment has finished most women lose the weight gain within a month or two but it often takes some time to lose the last kilogram.
Some women experience an increased growth of facial hair while on Danazol. This does not mean that you will grow a 'beard'. The facial hair is not normally noticeable to other people as there is usually only slightly more than normal and it is very fine and downy. Some women also experience an increase in the amount of body hair, particularly on their legs and around their nipples.
If you experience profuse hair growth you should notify your gynecologist as this side effect is sometimes not reversible.
Some women experience a change in their voice. The change may involve a loss of the higher notes, or the voice may become husky, or you may find that it peters out at times. Often the changes are only evident when you have been using your voice for some time or when you are trying to project your voice. The changes are often quite subtle so it is probably worthwhile organizing with someone who is close to you to monitor your voice for any possible changes. If you notice any changes notify your gynecologist immediately as they may be irreversible.
If you are a professional or amateur singer you should think carefully about taking Danazol because the voice changes are sometimes irreversible even if you cease treatment as soon as you notice any change.
Enlargement of the clitoris is rare but, as it may be irreversible, if you notice an enlargement you should contact your gynecologist immediately.

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WOMEN’S HEALTH


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