Cyproterone Comprehensive Guide For Men: Uses, Dosage & Risks

About cyproterone

Cyproterone belongs to a group of medicines known as

anti-androgens

. It blocks the actions of male sex hormones called androgens and reduces the amount of male hormones your body produces.

This anti-androgen action is helpful in treating

prostate cancer

and controlling

sex drive

in men with hypersexuality.

Type of medicine	Anti-androgen
Used for	To treat prostate cancer in men; to control hypersexuality in men
Also called	Cyprostat® (prostate cancer); Androcur® (hypersexuality)
Available as	Tablets

In

prostate cancer

, cancer cells rely on testosterone to grow. Cyproterone blocks testosterone’s effect on these cells, slowing cancer growth. It also reduces ‘flares’ and side effects from other treatments or surgery.

For

hypersexuality

, cyproterone controls sexual desire or deviation. Doctors require a signed agreement before starting treatment.

Cyproterone appears in low doses in co-cyprindiol contraceptive tablets for acne or hirsutism alongside contraception.

Key facts about cyproterone

• Cyproterone is a synthetic steroidal anti-androgen with progestogenic effects, used for over 40 years in Europe.
• It blocks androgen receptors and suppresses testosterone production via gonadotropin inhibition.
• After weeks of use, sperm count drops, causing infertility. This may reverse upon stopping, but consult a doctor for future children. Do not use as contraception.
• High doses treat prostate cancer; lower doses manage hypersexuality or skin conditions.

How cyproterone works

Cyproterone acetate (CPA) acts dually: it binds to androgen receptors, preventing testosterone and DHT from affecting tissues like prostate, skin, and muscle, and suppresses LH from the pituitary, reducing testicular testosterone production.

In prostate cancer, this lowers testosterone levels and blocks access to cancer cells, slowing or stopping growth. Anti-androgens like cyproterone do not cure cancer but extend life in palliative care.

For hypersexuality, it reduces libido by limiting androgen influence.

When is cyproterone used in men?

Cyproterone treats two main conditions in men:

• Prostate cancer: As monotherapy or androgen deprivation therapy, especially palliative high-dose oral or injection. Comparable to GnRH modulators but inferior to combined blockade.
• Hypersexuality and paraphilias: Reduces sex drive in medically indicated cases, such as sex offenders.

Other uses include androgen-related skin issues (acne, seborrhea, hirsutism, alopecia) and precocious puberty.

Dosage and how to take cyproterone

Dosage varies by condition:

Condition	Typical Dosage	Notes
Prostate cancer	High doses (e.g., 100-300mg daily)	Oral tablets or injection; often short-term to prevent flares
Hypersexuality	50-200mg daily (Androcur®)	Requires signed agreement; long-term monitoring

Take tablets with or after food. Swallow whole with water. Follow exact prescribed dose; do not stop without doctor advice.

Getting the most from cyproterone treatment

• Attend regular check-ups for blood tests monitoring hormones, liver function, and bone density.
• Avoid alcohol; it increases liver risk.
• Use contraception if partner could become pregnant; sperm count reduces but not reliably.
• Maintain calcium-rich diet and exercise for bone health, as testosterone suppression affects density.
• Inform doctor of planning pregnancy; fertility may not fully recover.

Side-effects of cyproterone

Common side effects include:

• Reduced sex drive and erections
• Weight gain, breast tenderness/enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Fatigue, hot flushes, depression
• Liver issues (nausea, jaundice – seek urgent care)

Serious risks: meningioma (brain tumor) with long-term high-dose use; bone thinning; blood clots. Report persistent headaches, vision changes, or swelling immediately.

Common (>1/10)	Less Common	Serious (Seek Help)
Loss of libido	Weight gain	Yellow skin/eyes, severe tiredness
Impotence	Breast tenderness	Persistent headaches
	Mood changes	Swollen legs

Precautions when taking cyproterone

Do not take if:

• Allergic to cyproterone
• Have liver disease, meningioma history, or severe depression
• Planning fatherhood soon

Tell your doctor about other medications, as interactions occur with alcohol, anticoagulants. Regular liver and pituitary monitoring essential.

Pregnancy and fertility while taking cyproterone

Cyproterone causes infertility in men after weeks of use, likely reversible but not guaranteed. Use barrier contraception. Women handling tablets should wash hands to avoid fetal harm.

Common questions about cyproterone

This article provides comprehensive guidance mirroring professional medical resources. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.