[GoneGirl]

Thank you, Lotus. You have righted my basic misunderstanding of what an anti-androgen is. To be classified an anti-androgen, it's not simply that it causes a lowering of the body's testosterone level, which PM does quite well, it's how the substance counters the effects of androgens that still exist in the body. One of the key mechanisms that an anti-androgen incorporates for blocking the function of androgens is to tie up androgen receptors in the cells, preventing the androgen (e.g., DHT) from doing it's intended purpose (e.g., growing body hair). There are other ways an anti-androgen works to reduce overall testosterone levels, as well.

PM lowers one's testosterone levels indirectly by increasing the amount of estrogen in the body (in this case miroestrol which mimics estradiol). When the body senses the higher level of estrogen, it removes an equal amount of free testosterone by binding it to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) making it unavailable. Any unbound androgens remaining are still able to do their intended function in the absence of a strong anti-androgen.

Please correct me if my understand is still off the mark.

Hugs,
Clara