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Oral contraceptives versus physical exercise on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Orio F.,
Muscogiuri G.,
Giallauria F.,
Savastano S.,
Bottiglieri P.,
Tafuri D.,
Predotti P.,
Colarieti G.,
Colao A.,
Palomba S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/cen.13112
Subject(s) - medicine , polycystic ovary , hyperandrogenism , randomized controlled trial , overweight , lipid profile , metabolic syndrome , anthropometry , endocrinology , gynecology , insulin resistance , insulin , body mass index , obesity , cholesterol
Summary Background Although oral contraceptives ( OC s) are one the most widespread therapy in young polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) women and physical exercise represents a crucial first step in the treatment of overweight and obese PCOS , no studies were performed to compare the effects on cardiovascular risk ( CVR ) of OC s and physical exercise in PCOS . Objective To compare the effects of OC s administration and physical exercise on the CVR , clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in PCOS women. Methods One hundred and fifty PCOS women were enrolled and were randomized to OC s (3 mg drospirenone plus 30 μg ethinyloestradiol), structured exercise training programme ( SETP ) or polyvitamin tablets. The intervention phase study was of 6 months. Primary outcome was intima–media thickness ( IMT ) and flow‐mediated dilation ( FMD ). Secondary outcomes were clinical, hormonal and metabolic changes. Results A significant reduction of IMT and a significant increase of FMD were observed in the SETP group after treatment. Compared to baseline, in the SETP group, a significant improvement in anthropometric measures, insulin sensitivity indexes, lipid profile, cardiopulmonary function, inflammatory markers and frequency of menses was observed. Oral contraceptives use was associated with a significant decrease of hyperandrogenism and a significant improvement of frequency of menses. Further, OC s use had a neutral effect on CVR risk factors. Conclusion OCs effectively treat hyperandrogenism and menstrual disturbances, while SETP is more effective in improving cardiometabolic profile and cardiopulmonary function in PCOS .