Examples
Danazol is a synthetic form of the male hormone
testosterone.
Why It Is Used
Danazol is used to treat symptoms of PMDD if other treatments have
failed to end severe symptoms.
How Well It Works
Danazol may relieve the irritability, anxiety, lethargy, increased
appetite, headaches, and breast tenderness that occur with
PMS and PMDD. Unfortunately, the side effects of
treatment with danazol outweigh the benefits for many women. Many women stop
taking this medication because of its side effects.
Side Effects
Side effects caused by danazol can include:
- Weight gain.
- Muscle
cramps.
- Decreased breast
size.
- Flushing.
- Oily skin and
hair.
- Depression.
- Acne.
- An increase in male
characteristics, such as increased facial hair and body hair (hirsutism) or
deepening of the voice, which may be permanent.
- Increased
cholesterol levels.
- Skin rash.
Most side effects disappear after you stop taking danazol. Aerobic
exercise may help reduce the side effects.
A potentially serious long-term side effect is a reduced level of
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which may
protect against heart disease.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
When considering danazol treatment, discuss its possible benefits
and effectiveness with your health professional, comparing it with the side
effects and costs of treatment.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Sandy Jocoy, RN |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | June 19, 2008 |
