OBJECTIVES:

I. Evaluate the beneficial effects of leuprolide depot, oral contraceptive therapy, and leuprolide/oral contraceptive therapy in the management of patients with ovarian hyperandrogenism.

PROTOCOL OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients are randomly assigned to a 6-month course of leuprolide versus ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Ovcon 35) versus leuprolide plus Ovcon 35. Leuprolide is administered intramuscularly in depot form every 28 days.

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA:

Disease Characteristics

• Ovarian hyperandrogenism with Lorenzo hirsutism score 7 to 20, with or without severe acne
• Serum hormone levels: Follicle-stimulating hormone no greater than 40 mIU/mL Luteinizing hormone no greater than 40 mIU/mL Testosterone 60 to 200 ng/dL Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate no greater than 430 micrograms/dL 17-hydroxyprogesterone no greater than 3.3 ng/mL in follicular phase Prolactin no greater than 18 ng/dL
• No adrenal or ovarian tumors

Prior/Concurrent Therapy

• At least 6 months since exogenous steroids At least 48 hours since drugs other than acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin

Patient Characteristics

• No malignancy, including the following carcinomas: Breast Cervix Ovary Uterus No other serious illness No cigarette smokers No nursing women No pregnancy within 6 months prior to entry