The effect of 17-alpha-hydroxy-19-norprogesterone caproate (SH 582) on benign prostatic hypertrophy

Abstract

Abstract The therapeutic efficacy of 17-alpha-hydroxy-19-norprogesterone caproate (SH 582) in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy has been assessed in a double-blind cross-over trial in 24 volunteers. In most subjects there was subjective and objective evidence that SH 582 had a beneficial effect which exceeded that of the placebo. Only 2 subjects emerged from the trial without improvement. Treatment with SH 582 did not significantly affect the serum prostatic acid phosphatase. Thyroid function was not inhibited by SH 582, thus suggesting that the drug acted peripherally rather than via pituitary inhibition. Side-effects were negligible.