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Cyclomen: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Cyclomen - General Information

A synthetic steroid with antigonadotropic and anti-estrogenic activities that acts as an anterior pituitary suppressant by inhibiting the pituitary output of gonadotropins. It possesses some androgenic properties. Cyclomen has been used in the treatment of endometriosis and some benign breast disorders. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Cyclomen

Cyclomen is a derivative of the synthetic steroid ethisterone, a modified testosterone. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first drug to specifically treat endometriosis, but its role as a treatment for endometriosis has been largely replaced by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Cyclomen has antigonadotropic and anti-estrogenic activities. Cyclomen acts as an anterior pituitary suppressant by inhibiting the pituitary output of gonadotropins. It possesses some androgenic properties.

 

Additional information about Cyclomen

Cyclomen Indication: For the treatment of endometriosis and some benign breast disorders. Mechanism Of Action: As a gonadotropin inhibitor, danazol suppresses the pituitary-ovarian axis possibly by inhibiting the output of pituitary gonadotropins. Cyclomen also depresses the preovulatory surge in output of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and therefore reduces ovarian estrogen production. Cyclomen also may directly inhibit ovarian steroidogenesis, bind to androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors, bind to sex-hormone-binding globulin and corticosteroid-binding globulin, and increase the metabolic clearance rate of progesterone. Endometriosis - As a consequence of suppression of ovarian function, both normal and ectopic endometrial tissues become inactive and atrophic. As a result, anovulation and associated amenorrhea occur. Fibrocystic breast disease - The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but may be related to suppressed estrogenic stimulation as a result of decreased ovarian production of estrogen. A direct effect on steroid receptor sites in breast tissue also is possible. Disappearance of nodularity, relief of pain and tenderness, and possibly changes in the menstrual pattern result. Hereditary angioedema - Cyclomen corrects the underlying biochemical deficiency by increasing serum concentrations of the deficient C1 esterase inhibitor, resulting in increased serum concentrations of the C4 component of the complement system. (Source: PharmGKB) Drug Interactions: Anisindione The androgen increases the anticoagulant effectCyclosporine The androgen increases the anticoagulant effectCarbamazepine Increases the effect of carbamazepineDicumarol The androgen increases the anticoagulant effectAcenocoumarol The androgen increases the anticoagulant effectWarfarin The androgen increases the anticoagulant effectLovastatin Risk of severe myopathy/rhabdomyolysis with this combinationTacrolimus Increases the effect and toxicity of tacrolimus Food Interactions: Take without regard to meals. Generic Name: Danazol Synonyms: Not Available Drug Category: Estrogen Antagonists Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Danazol: Anatrol; Chronogyn; Cyclomen; Danocrine; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Hepatic, to principal metabolites, ethisterone and 17-hydroxymethylethisterone. Half Life: Approximately 24 hours. Dosage Forms of Cyclomen: Capsule OralCapsule Oral Chemical IUPAC Name: Not Available Chemical Formula: C22H27NO2 Danazol on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danazol Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals