danazol

Danazol is a synthetic steroid derived from ethisterone and classified as a weak androgen and anabolic steroid. It is primarily used to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease (benign breast disorders), and hereditary angioedema. Danazol acts mainly as a pituitary gonadotropin inhibitor by suppressing the output of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), leading to reduced ovarian estrogen production. It also exhibits weak progestogenic activity, antiestrogenic effects, antigonadotropic properties, and can inhibit steroidogenesis. In hereditary angioedema, danazol increases levels of C1 esterase inhibitor in plasma. The drug is administered orally in capsule form[1][2][3][4][5]. Due to its androgenic side effects such as acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), voice deepening, weight gain, menstrual disturbances in women (including amenorrhea or irregular bleeding), its use has become limited for some indications[1][3][6]. Danazol was discovered in 1963 and introduced into medical use in 1971[3].

Brand names

DanocrineCyclomen

Other names

达那唑Danazolum