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Abstract
Background. Combined oral contraceptives are used in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women for the treatment of hyperandrogenism and menstrual cycle disturbances.
Aim. To assess the effect of ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate (EE/CA) on endothelial function in young, non-obese PCOS women in a pilot study.
Methods. Thirteen young, non-obese PCOS women (20.9 ± 3.7 years, 23.0 ± 4.0 kg/m2) received 35 mcg EE & 2 mg CA for 6 months. Fourteen age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy women served as controls. Endothelial function assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), indices of hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance were studied at baseline and 6-month follow-up.
Results. FMD was impaired in PCOS compared to control women (4.67 ± 2.38% vs. 10.12 ± 3.19%, p < 0.001), but increased significantly following EE/CA (9.99 ± 2.11%, p < 0.001 vs. baseline), reaching normal values (p = NS vs. controls). EE/CA also significantly decreased hyperandrogenism indices and increased total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (p < 0.05 vs. baseline). The only independent predictor of treatment-induced FMD improvement in PCOS women was the decrease in free androgen index.
Conclusions. Treatment with combination of estrogens and antiandrogens reverses endothelial dysfunction in young, non-obese PCOS women mainly via improving hyperandrogenism. Further research is needed to investigate whether this treatment may also reduce cardiovascular risk in these women.
Acknowledgements
The authors are indebted to Theodora Barka, S.R.N. for her technical assistance and to Michaelidion Cardiac Center that provided the Vascular Laboratory with specialized equipment for the performance of the endothelial function studies.