Metformin versus lifestyle changes in treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Comparative efficacy of exercise, diet and/or pharmacological interventions on BMI, ovulation, and hormonal profile in reproductive-aged women with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide poses a significant threat to reproductive function owing, in part, to hormonal disturbances caused by negative feedback between excess adiposity and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Consequently, finding the most appropriate strategies to lose weight and improve ovulation in women with overweight or obesity is a clinically relevant matter that needs to be investigated. A comprehensive comparison of the independent and combined efficacy of lifestyle and/or pharmacological interventions on BMI, ovulation, and hormonal profile in women with overweight or obesity at risk of anovulatory infertility would facilitate improving fertility strategies in this population.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of exercise, diet, and pharmacological interventions on BMI, ovulation, and hormonal profile in reproductive-aged women with overweight or obesity.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library up to 14 December 2023, for randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of exercise, diet and/or pharmacological interventions (i.e. weight-lowering drugs or ovulation inducers) on BMI, ovulation, and/or hormonal profile in reproductive-aged women with overweight or obesity. We performed frequentist random-effect network meta-analyses and rated the certainty of the evidence. The primary outcomes were BMI and ovulation rate, and the secondary outcomes were serum reproductive hormone levels (gonadotrophins, androgens, or oestrogens). We performed sensitivity analyses, including the studies that only involved women with PCOS.

OUTCOMES

Among 1190 records screened, 148 full texts were assessed for eligibility resulting in 95 trials (9910 women), of which 53% presented a high or unclear risk of bias. The network meta-analyses revealed that, compared to control: diet combined with weight-lowering drugs (mean difference (MD) -2.61 kg/m2; 95% CI -3.04 to -2.19; τ2 = 0.22) and adding exercise (MD -2.35 kg/m2; 95% CI -2.81 to -1.89; τ2 = 0.22) led to the greatest decrease in BMI; exercise combined with diet and ovulation inducers (risk ratio (RR) 7.15; 95% CI 1.94-26.40; τ2 = 0.07) and exercise combined with diet and weight-lowering drugs (RR 4.80; 95% CI 1.67-13.84; τ2 = 0.07) produced the highest increase in ovulation rate; and exercise combined with diet and weight-lowering drugs was the most effective strategy in reducing testosterone levels (standardized mean difference (SMD) -2.91; 95% CI -4.07 to -1.74; τ2 = 2.25), the third most effective strategy in increasing sex hormone-binding globulin levels (SMD 2.37; 95% CI 0.99-3.76; τ2 = 2.48), and it was coupled with being ranked first in terms of free androgen index reduction (SMD -1.59; 95% CI -3.18 to 0.01; τ2 = 1.91). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve scores suggested that: diet combined with weight-lowering drugs is the strategy most likely (94%) to produce the highest BMI reduction; and exercise combined with diet and ovulation inducers is the strategy most likely (89%) to produce the highest ovulation rate improvement. The sensitivity analyses, which exclusively included studies involving women diagnosed with PCOS, were consistent with the results presented above.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Overall, the findings of this network meta-analysis indicate that the combination of exercise, diet, and pharmacological interventions is effective for weight loss, improving ovulation, and normalizing the androgen levels of women with overweight or obesity. Although higher quality studies are needed, these results support that the optimal treatment strategy for women with overweight or obesity wishing to conceive must consider exercise, diet, and pharmacological interventions during the shared decision-making process.

Effects of combined metformin and cabergoline versus metformin alone on ovarian and hormonal activities in Iraqi patients with PCOS and hyperprolactinemia: a randomized clinical trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases during female reproductive life, often associated with insulin resistance and hyperprolactinemia. The efficacy of metformin and cabergoline for managing PCOS remains debated in the literature. This three-arm interventional study in Iraq assessed the effects of these drugs on body mass index (BMI), hormonal balance, and uterine artery blood flow in 75 women with PCOS and hyperprolactinemia. Participants were randomized into three groups: metformin (500 mg twice daily), cabergoline (0.5 mg weekly), and a combination of both, with 25 patients in each group. Baseline and 90-day follow-up characteristics included BMI, serum hormonal levels, and ultrasound features. Metformin resulted in significant weight reduction (p=0.038); however, the addition of cabergoline caused a more significant reduction in body mass index (p=0.001). The combined treatment significantly lowered testosterone levels (p=0.008). In addition, this combination significantly reduced the level of LH (p=0.043) and increased the level of FSH (p=0.047). The results suggest that metformin and cabergoline when used together, act synergistically and safely to reduce BMI, testosterone, and LH levels while increasing FSH levels. Furthermore, this combination improved endometrial blood flow and ovulation in women with PCOS.

Effect of a combination of gliptin and metformin on serum vitamin B12, folic acid, and ferritin levels

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to explore the impact of metformin and metformin/gliptin combination therapy on the serum concentrations of vitamin B12, ferritin, and folic acid in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

This study included 118 patients, classified into two groups: 59 patients using only metformin and 59 patients using a combination of metformin/gliptin. Among the latter group, 35 patients used vildagliptin/metformin, and 24 used sitagliptin/metformin. The study recorded the demographic data such as the age and gender of the patients, as well as their initial and 1-year follow-up blood parameters.

RESULTS

Folic acid decreased significantly in the metformin group but not in the metformin/gliptin group. Vitamin B12 and ferritin decreased significantly in both groups. The decrease in vitamin B12 and ferritin was not significantly different between the two groups. The decrease in fasting plasma glucose was more significant in the metformin/gliptin group than in the metformin group.

CONCLUSION

After 1 year, both groups taking metformin and metformin/gliptin showed low serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, vitamin B12 levels in patients using these drugs should be closely monitored. Ferritin levels can be used to indicate whether glycemic control has been achieved.

Comparison of orlistat and orlistat plus metformin therapy between diabetic and nondiabetic groups

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of orlistat use on metabolic control and weight loss in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

METHODS

A total of 119 patients with body mass index≥40 kg/m2 and receiving orlistat therapy, who applied to the Endocrinology polyclinic between January 2016 and October 2019, were included. The patients' weight changes and biochemical values (i.e., fasting glucose, HbA1c, ALT, creatinine, and lipid parameters) were evaluated at the drug beginning and the last polyclinic control. The patients were divided into groups, whether they had diabetes or used metformin, and compared.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 119 patients in the study was 45.3±11.5 years. A total of 94.1% of the patients were females and 5.9% were males. A total of 38.7% of the patients had diabetes and 29.4% had prediabetes. When the patients were compared to whether they had diabetes or used metformin, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups according to weight loss. The mean weight change of patients without diabetes and receiving metformin and orlistat was statistically significantly higher than that of patients with diabetes and receiving metformin and orlistat.

DISCUSSION

It was determined that the weight loss effect of orlistat in obesity was seen in all groups, but this effect decreased in the diabetic group.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Etiology, Current Management, and Future Therapeutics

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, typically characterized by anovulation, infertility, obesity, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle or diet, environmental pollutants, genetics, gut dysbiosis, neuroendocrine alterations, and obesity are among the risk factors that predispose females to PCOS. These factors might contribute to upsurging metabolic syndrome by causing hyperinsulinemia, oxidative stress, hyperandrogenism, impaired folliculogenesis, and irregular menstrual cycles. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota may play a pathogenic role in the development of PCOS. The restoration of gut microbiota by probiotics, prebiotics, or a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) might serve as an innovative, efficient, and noninvasive way to prevent and mitigate PCOS. This review deliberates on the variety of risk factors potentially involved in the etiology, prevalence, and modulation of PCOS, in addition to plausible therapeutic interventions, including miRNA therapy and the eubiosis of gut microbiota, that may help treat and manage PCOS.

Metformin does not improve insulin sensitivity over hypocaloric diets in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of 12 studies

OBJECTIVE

To improve insulin action, most clinicians prescribe Metformin in patients with insulin resistance (IR). Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), in which IR is an important physiopathological mechanism, treatment with Metformin and specialized diets have been suggested to reduce the patient's IR. However, numerous studies have demonstrated conflicting results with respect to supplementing a diet with Metformin. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine if Metformin provides a benefit in conjunction with hypocaloric diets to improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS women.

METHODS

PubMed, SCOPUS, LILACS, and EBSCO databases and retrieved studies' bibliographies were searched for prospective studies that investigated the effect between Metformin and hypocaloric diets in PCOS women until April 2020. Pre- and post-intervention values for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and IR indices (HOMA1-IR, ISI, and QUICKI) were extracted. Using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, the pooled standard difference in the means (SDM) and 95%CIs were calculated.

RESULTS

11 publications (12 studies) were selected. There was not a benefit of adding Metformin to a hypocaloric diet with respect to FPG (SDM= -0.17; 95%CI: -0.48-0.14, p = .28) and FPI (SDM = 0.16; 95%CI: -0.24-0.55, p = .45). None of the IR indices also demonstrated any benefit of using Metformin when a diet intervention was implemented (HOMA1-IR: SDM = 0.28; 95%CI: -0.27-0.84, p = .315; ISI: SDM = 0.344; 95%CI: -0.17-0.85, p = .186; QUICKI: SDM= -0.01; 95%CI: -0.42-0.41, p = .968).

CONCLUSION

Here, we determined that adding Metformin to hypocaloric diets did not improve serum glucose or insulin concentrations as well as IR in PCOS women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents with obesity

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age with the prevalence from 5% to 15%, and the prevalence of PCOS in adolescents with obesity seems even higher. The weight status is significantly associated with the quality of life in adolescents with PCOS.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the latest findings of pathogenesis, diagnosis, comorbidity, and management in PCOS adolescents with obesity.

METHODS

This is a narrative review of articles published in PubMed from June 2013 to June 2020 Data were searched using the key words of "polycystic ovary syndrome" AND "adolescent" AND "obesity."

RESULTS

Pubertal obesity, particularly central obesity, could have a negative impact on the pathophysiology of PCOS. In adolescents with obesity, a review of medical history and a long-term follow-up for PCOS symptoms are essential to avoid misdiagnosis. There is a link between obesity and comorbidities of PCOS in adolescents. Holistic treatment and concern for related comorbidities should ideally begin as early as possible in obese adolescents once the diagnosis of PCOS is confirmed.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with PCOS and obesity need more attention from physicians and researchers, and the effective interventions in the early stage are critical to improve their life quality.

Protective effects of berberine in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome mediated via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Background

Ber, a Chinese herbal monomer has been reported to exhibit an array of pharmacological activities related to the lowering of blood glucose and the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of berberine (Ber) on a rat model of PCOS mediated via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Methods

A PCOS animal model was induced with the administration of letrozole, and animals were then randomized into untreated or Ber and metformin hydrochloride treated groups. After administration, fasting blood glucose, HOMA‐IR, fasting insulin (FINS) values, and the serum hormone levels were measured in PCOS rats. The ovarian tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) for pathological and apoptosis examination. Moreover, the effect of Ber on the proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells was detected by CCK‐8 assays and flow cytometry. The influence of Ber on granulosa cells was confirmed by blockade of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, the modulatory effect of the blockade of the PI3K/AKT pathway on the expression of related proteins was demonstrated via western blotting.

Results

We found that Ber was able to restore the serum hormone levels and improve IR in a PCOS rat model. The morphological lesions and apoptosis of the ovary were also restored by the Ber treatment. Blockade of the PI3K/AKT pathway attenuated the influences of Ber on the proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells.

Conclusion

The beneficial effects of Ber on PCOS included alterations of the serum hormone levels, recovery of morphological lesions in the ovary, improvement of insulin resistance, and cell viability and inhibition of apoptosis, which were all mediated through the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Development and Effects of College-Based Lifestyle Modification Program for Menstrual Health of Young Adult Women with Irregular Menses: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop the 'College-based Lifestyle Modification Program' (College-based LMP) for young adult women with irregular menstruation and examine its effects after intervention. Methods: The College-based LMP consisted of small group education, individual physical exercise counseling/training, individual diet counseling, and feedback and support. Participants were comprised of 38 females who reported less than 10 irregular menstruations in a year and were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The primary outcome variables consisted of menstrual cycle index (MCI), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and androgenic profile (testosterone-T, free androgen index-FAI), while the outcome variables included premenstrual symptoms (PMS), menstrual volume, body composition parameters, glycemic parameters (fasting blood sugar-FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR), sleep duration, perceived stress, and nutrient intake.. Results: There were no significant differences in primary outcome variables (MCI, SHBG, T, and FAI). In the variables, there were no significant differences except for the partial domain of PMS (symptoms of depression and anxiety) and sleep duration. Conclusions: The study was significant in that it demonstrated the importance of lifestyle, which could provide ordinary young adult women with healthy menstruation. The College-based LMP needs to be elaborated with further studies.

Expression of angiopoietin-like protein 2 in ovarian tissue of rat polycystic ovarian syndrome model and its correlation study

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the expression of angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) in the tissues of rat models of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its correlation with PCOS.

METHODS

Six-weeks-old female specific pathogen-free rats (n = 60) were divided into blank control, PCOS model, and metformin groups (n = 20/group). After 21 days of metformin intervention, the serum sex hormones, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance (IR) of rats in each group were measured. The mRNA levels of ANGPTL2, Foxol, and Akt in the ovarian tissues were monitored by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the levels of serum sex hormones, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and IR in the model group showed significant increases, and the levels of ANGPTL2, Foxol, and Akt in the ovarian tissue also showed significant increases. Compared with the PCOS group, the serum sex hormones, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and IR of rats in the metformin group were significantly decreased, and the levels of ANGPTL2, Foxol, and Akt in ovarian tissues also showed significant decreases.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that ANGPTL2 might participate in the development of PCOS through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Metformin improves IR by reducing the expression of ANGPTL2, thus improving the endocrine environment of PCOS and might change the disease outcome.

Prevalence of metabolic disturbances among women with polycystic ovary syndrome in different regions of Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of metabolic disturbances in a large cohort of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in southeastern Brazil and to compare the findings with other cohorts of Brazilian women with PCOS.

METHODS

A retrospective study analyzing clinical and laboratory data of 462 women with PCOS treated at an outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital in southeastern Brazil. Prevalence of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, central obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome was compared to that of other cohorts of age and body mass index-matched Brazilian women with PCOS.

RESULTS

Women with PCOS had a median age of 25.0 (21.0-29.0) years and BMI of 28.7 (23.9-34.0) kg/m² . Prevalence of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes varied from 39.6% to 55.0%, 7.2% to 28.1%, and 2.0% to 4.1%, respectively. Prevalence of central obesity, dyslipidemia due to decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and metabolic syndrome ranged from 57.8% to 66.4%, 54.1% to 70.4%, 22.9% to 35.1%, and 27.4% to 38.3%, respectively, which did not differ among regions in Brazil.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of metabolic disturbances was high among Brazilian women with PCOS. This study suggests that, from a public health perspective, authorities in Brazil should be aware of and encourage screening for metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS in all regions of the country.

Exercise Interventions in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex endocrinopathy with reproductive and metabolic manifestations. Exercise training has consistently been found to result in improved clinical outcomes in women with PCOS, but shortfalls with exercise prescription are evident. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify exercise intervention characteristics that provide favourable outcomes in women with PCOS.

Methods: A systematic review of published literature was conducted using EBSCOhost and Ovid Medline up to May 2019. The review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines as per our PROSPERO protocol (CRD42018088367). Randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials, and uncontrolled trials that evaluated an exercise intervention of at least moderate intensity in women with PCOS were included. Meta-analyses were performed using general linear mixed modelling and Bayesian inferences about effect magnitudes.

Results: Thirty-three articles were identified for systematic review of which 19 were meta-analysed. Intervention duration ranged from 6 to 26 weeks. A total number of 777 women were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found that improvements in health outcomes are more dependent on exercise intensity rather than dose. Fixed effects analysis reported a moderate increase in VO_2peak (24.2%; 90% CL, 18.5–30.1), and small reductions in HOMA-IR (−36.2%; 90% CL, −55.3 to −9.0), and waist circumference (−4.2%; 90% CL −6.0 to −2.3) as a result of vigorous intensity exercise. These results are confirmed in the predicted analysis which reported the greatest improvements in VO_2peak, BMI, and waist circumference after vigorous intensity exercise alone or when combined with diet, particularly for women with clinically adverse baseline values.

Conclusions: Exercise training in the management of PCOS is becoming more common. Results from our analysis support the use of exercise and suggest that vigorous intensity exercise may have the greatest impact on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and insulin resistance. Our results indicate that, a minimum of 120 min of vigorous intensity per week is needed to provide favourable health outcomes for women with PCOS with studies of longer duration required to evaluate outcomes with sustained exercise.

A review of therapeutic options for managing the metabolic aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Metabolic sequelae associated with PCOS range from insulin resistance to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Insulin resistance plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of PCOS and it is a reliable marker for cardiometabolic risk. Although insulin sensitising agents such as metformin have been traditionally used for managing metabolic aspects of PCOS, their efficacy is low in terms of weight reduction and cardiovascular risk reduction compared with newer agents such as incretin mimetics and SGLT2 inhibitors. With current pharmaceutical advances, potential therapeutic options have increased, giving patients and clinicians more choices. Incretin mimetics are a promising therapy with a unique metabolic target that could be used widely in the management of PCOS. Likewise, bariatric procedures have become less invasive and result in effective weight loss and the reversal of metabolic morbidities in some patients. Therefore, surgical treatment targeting weight loss becomes increasingly common in the management of obese women with PCOS. Newer emerging therapies, including twincretins, triple GLP-1 agonists, glucagon receptor antagonists and imeglemin, are promising therapeutic options for treating T2DM. Given the similarity of metabolic and pathological features between PCOS and T2DM and the variety of therapeutic options, there is the potential to widen our strategy for treating metabolic disorders in PCOS in parallel with current therapeutic advances. The review was conducted in line with the recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome 2018.

The Effect of Metformin on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Overweight Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

Metformin is an important component of PCOS treatment. At present, the effect of metformin in overweight women with PCOS has not been evaluated. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to assess the effects of metformin in overweight women with PCOS and to analyze the effects of metformin in overweight women with PCOS.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases for studies published before March 2020. Randomized controlled trials were identified to study the effects of metformin in overweight women with PCOS. Data from studies including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), luteinizing hormone (LH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, testosterone, and androstenedione were pooled. Qualified trials were selected, and methodological quality was strictly assessed. Two reviewers chose the studies independently of each other.

RESULTS

Twelve trials were included. The intervention group and the control group had significant differences in the changes in body mass index (BMI) (WMD = -1.25, 95% CI (-1.60, -0.91), p < 0.00001) and waist circumference (WC) (WMD = -1.41, 95% CI (-2.46, -0.37), p=0.008) after metformin. The comprehensive results show that, in all studies, overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with metformin had significantly improved endocrine and metabolic indicators, including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, metformin did not regulate the secretion indexes of fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, sex hormone-binding globulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, and androstenedione.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with control interventions, metformin appears to be an effective intervention for overweight women with PCOS.

SRSFs mediate the function of AR in the ovarian granulosa cells of patients with PCOS

Ovarian hyperandrogenism is one of the characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and androgen receptor (AR) in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) functions as an important element to the accumulation of androgens. This study verified the existence of alternative splicing variant of AR (AR-SVs) in the GCs of PCOS patients and found that the function of AR decreased significantly in the presence of AR-SVs. And compared to the normal individuals, the expression of Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2(SRSF2) was higher and the expression of SRSF3 was lower in the GCs of patients with AR-SVs. More importantly, we found that the expression of SRSF2 was inhibited and that the expression of AR was decreased after the successful upregulation of miRNA-183, and testostrone (T) concentrations in the culture medium were increased. The results also showed that the expression of SRSF3 decreased when miRNA-124 was successfully upregulated, while the expression of AR significantly increased; however, the function of AR was also inhibited when T concentration in the culture medium was increased. This study has proved that SRSFs are regulated by corresponding miRNAs, and the altered expression of SRSFs interferenced the alternative splicing process of AR and ultimately decreased the function of AR, leading to the accumulation of androgens in the ovary.

Metabolic and hormonal assessment of adolescent and young adult women with prior premature adrenarche

OBJECTIVE

Follow-up studies of girls with premature adrenarche have reported the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia and a propensity to cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of these conditions in patients previously treated at the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro.

METHODS

A total of 130 medical records reported premature adrenarche. One hundred and twenty-two patients were invited to participate, of whom 54 accepted; 34 patients were selected, as they had reached their final height. Anthropometric, blood glucose, insulin, and lipid and hormonal profile (LH, FSH, estradiol, 17α-OH-progesterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone) data were obtained, the HOMA-IR index was calculated, and pelvic ultrasonography was performed. To characterize polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome, the Rotterdam and International Diabetes Federation criteria, respectively, were used. Data were analyzed according to measures of dispersion, frequency and correlations of interest.

RESULTS

The age of the participants ranged from 15.2 to 28.2 years/months; 23.5% of the patients were overweight, 11.8% were obese, 29.4% had a large waist circumference, and 8.8% were hypertensive. None of the patients had altered glucose levels, and insulin levels and HOMA-IR were elevated in 29.4% and 38.2% of the participants, respectively; 14.7% of the patients exhibited acanthosis nigricans. The lipid profiles of the participants were variable, and one patient (2.9%) had metabolic syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome was found in 41.2% of patients.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who also had overweight, obesity and insulin resistance corroborates the literature data about the need for follow-up aiming at interventions, especially for conditions associated with cardiometabolic risk.

The effectiveness of metformin, oral contraceptives, and lifestyle modification in improving the metabolism of overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We designed a network meta-analysis that investigated relatively different interventions that included the effects of metformin, oral contraceptives, and lifestyle modification on the metabolic parameters of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, we searched for eligible interventions that improved the metabolism of glucose and lipids.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases from inception to May 2018. Publication types that were categorized as randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria. The main outcome included the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total triglycerides. We performed both a pairwise meta-analysis and a network meta-analysis to evaluate the mean difference value and 95% credibility intervals, and we calculated the surface cumulative rank curve.

RESULTS

There were a total of 12 kinds of interventions: metformin, 2 mg cyproterone acetate plus 0.05 mg ethinylestradiol (EE/CA), 0.15 mg desogestrel plus 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol (EE/DSG), and 3 mg drospirenone plus 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol (EE/DRSP), lifestyle, exercise, diet, metformin + lifestyle, metformin + diet, EE/CA + lifestyle, metformin + EE/CA, and EE/DRSP + lifestyle from the 20 eligible RCTs that were included in this study. Our meta-analysis results showed that metformin + lifestyle (MD = -2.04, 95% CrI = -3.64 to -0.41), EE/CA + lifestyle (MD = -2.23, 95% CrI = -4.11 to -0.35), and EE/DRSP + lifestyle (MD = -2.59, 95% CrI = -4.66 to -0.50) resulted in lower in the levels of total cholesterol. Women treated with metformin + lifestyle (MD = -1.82, 95% CrI = -2.88 to -0.79), EE/CA + lifestyle (MD = -2.25, 95% CrI = -3.58 to -1.08), or EE/DRSP + lifestyle (MD = -2.29, 95% CrI = -3.69 to -1.07) exhibited significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with the placebo group. There was no significant difference between any of the interventions compared with a placebo in the levels of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and total triglycerides. The surface cumulative rank curve revealed that metformin + lifestyle might be the best intervention with respect to the improvement of the homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance and EE/DRSP + lifestyle appeared to be the best intervention for the reduction of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, the metformin + diet intervention was more effective in reducing the level of total triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

For overweight polycystic ovary syndrome patients, our evidence revealed that EE/CA and EE/SRSP combined with metformin or lifestyle changes can reduce the adverse effects on glucose and lipid metabolism of the use of oral contraceptive agents alone. Conventional PCOS treatments, such as metformin, EE/CA, and EE/DRSP, combined with lifestyle control can be particularly effective in improving the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and lipid metabolism.

Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 8% to 13% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Obesity worsens the presentation of PCOS and weight management (weight loss, maintenance or prevention of excess weight gain) is proposed as an initial treatment strategy, best achieved through lifestyle changes incorporating diet, exercise and behavioural interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of lifestyle treatment in improving reproductive, anthropometric (weight and body composition), metabolic and quality of life factors in PCOS.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AMED (date of last search March 2018). We also searched controlled trials registries, conference abstracts, relevant journals, reference lists of relevant papers and reviews, and grey literature databases, with no language restrictions applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lifestyle treatment (diet, exercise, behavioural or combined treatments) to minimal or no treatment in women with PCOS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected trials, assessed evidence quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. Our primary outcomes were live birth, miscarriage and pregnancy. We used inverse variance and fixed-effect models in the meta-analyses. We reported dichotomous outcomes as an odds ratio and continuous outcomes as a mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 studies with 498 participants. Ten studies compared physical activity to minimal dietary and behavioural intervention or no intervention. Five studies compared combined dietary, exercise and behavioural intervention to minimal intervention. One study compared behavioural intervention to minimal intervention. Risk of bias varied: eight studies had adequate sequence generation, seven had adequate clinician or outcome assessor blinding, seven had adequate allocation concealment, six had complete outcome data and six were free of selective reporting. No studies assessed the fertility primary outcomes of live birth or miscarriage. No studies reported the secondary reproductive outcome of menstrual regularity, as defined in this review.Lifestyle intervention may improve a secondary (endocrine) reproductive outcome, the free androgen index (FAI) (MD -1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.96 to -0.26, 6 RCTs, N = 204, I2 = 71%, low-quality evidence). Lifestyle intervention may reduce weight (kg) (MD -1.68 kg, 95% CI -2.66 to -0.70, 9 RCTs, N = 353, I2 = 47%, low-quality evidence). Lifestyle intervention may reduce body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (-0.34 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.01, 12 RCTs, N = 434, I2= 0%, low-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of lifestyle intervention on glucose tolerance (glucose outcomes in oral glucose tolerance test) (mmol/L/minute) (SMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.33, 3 RCTs, N = 121, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle intervention may improve the free androgen index (FAI), weight and BMI in women with PCOS. We are uncertain of the effect of lifestyle intervention on glucose tolerance. There were no studies that looked at the effect of lifestyle intervention on live birth, miscarriage or menstrual regularity. Most studies in this review were of low quality mainly due to high or unclear risk of bias across most domains and high heterogeneity for the FAI outcome.

Exercise, or exercise and diet for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Typically, management of PCOS focuses on lifestyle changes (exercise and diet), aiming to alleviate symptoms, and lower the associated risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to analyse evidence on the effectiveness of exercise in the management of PCOS, when compared to (i) usual care, (ii) diet alone, and (iii) exercise combined with diet, and also exercise combined with diet, compared to (i) control or usual care and (ii) diet alone.

METHODS

Relevant databases were searched (June 2017) with no time limit for trial inclusion. Eligible trials employed a randomised or quasi-randomised design to measure the chronic effects of exercise, or exercise and diet in women with PCOS.

RESULTS

Searches returned 2390 articles; of those, 27 papers from 18 trials were included. Results are presented as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Compared with control, exercise had a statistical effect on change from baseline fasting insulin (MD - 2.44 μIU/mL, 95% CIs - 4.24 to - 0.64; very low-quality evidence), HOMA-IR (- 0.57, - 0.99 to - 0.14; very low-quality evidence), total cholesterol (- 5.88 mg/dL, - 9.92 to - 1.83; low-quality evidence), LDL cholesterol (- 7.39 mg/dL, - 9.83 to - 4.95; low-quality evidence), and triglycerides (- 4.78 mg/dL, - 7.52 to - 2.05; low-quality evidence). Exercise also improved VO₂ max (3.84 ml/kg/min, 2.87 to 4.81), waist circumference (- 2.62 cm, - 4.13 to - 1.11), and body fat percentage (- 1.39%, - 2.61 to - 0.18) when compared with usual care. No effect was found for change value systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol (all low-quality evidence), or waist-to-hip ratio. Many favourable change score findings were supported by post-intervention value analyses: fasting insulin (- 2.11 μIU/mL, - 3.49 to - 0.73), total cholesterol (- 6.66 mg/dL, - 11.14 to - 2.17), LDL cholesterol (- 6.91 mg/dL, - 12.02 to - 1.80), and VO₂ max (5.01 ml/kg/min, 3.48 to 6.54). Statistically lower BMI (- 1.02 kg/m², - 1.81 to - 0.23) and resting heart rate (- 3.26 beats/min - 4.93 to - 1.59) were also revealed in post-intervention analysis. Subgroup analyses revealed the greatest improvements in overweight/obese participants, and more outcomes improved when interventions were supervised, aerobic in nature, or of a shorter duration. Based on limited data, we found no differences for any outcome between the effects of exercise and diet combined, and diet alone. It was not possible to compare exercise vs diet or exercise and diet combined vs diet.

CONCLUSION

Statistically beneficial effects of exercise were found for a range of metabolic, anthropometric, and cardiorespiratory fitness-related outcomes. However, caution should be adopted when interpreting these findings since many outcomes present modest effects and wide CIs, and statistical effects in many analyses are sensitive to the addition/removal of individual trials. Future work should focus on rigorously designed, well-reported trials that make comparisons involving both exercise and diet.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This systematic review was prospectively registered on the Prospero International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ( CRD42017062576 ).

Insulin-sensitising drugs (metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, D-chiro-inositol) for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, oligo amenorrhoea and subfertility

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by infrequent or absent ovulation, and high levels of androgens and insulin (hyperinsulinaemia). Hyperinsulinaemia occurs secondary to insulin resistance and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Insulin-sensitising agents such as metformin may be effective in treating PCOS-related anovulation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of insulin-sensitising drugs in improving reproductive and metabolic outcomes for women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases from inception to January 2017: Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. We searched registers of ongoing trials and reference lists from relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials of insulin-sensitising drugs compared with placebo, no treatment, or an ovulation-induction agent for women with oligo and anovulatory PCOS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for eligibility and bias. Primary outcomes were live birth rate and gastrointestinal adverse effects. Secondary outcomes included other pregnancy outcomes, menstrual frequency and metabolic effects. We combined data to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed statistical heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and reported quality of the evidence for primary outcomes using GRADE methodology.

MAIN RESULTS

We assessed the interventions metformin, clomiphene citrate, metformin plus clomiphene citrate, D-chiro-inositol, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. We compared these with each other, placebo or no treatment. We included 48 studies (4451 women), 42 of which investigated metformin (4024 women). Evidence quality ranged from very low to moderate. Limitations were risk of bias (poor reporting of methodology and incomplete outcome data), imprecision and inconsistency. Metformin versus placebo or no treatmentThe evidence suggests that metformin may improve live birth rates compared with placebo (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.51, 4 studies, 435 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence). The metformin group experienced more gastrointestinal side effects (OR 4.76, 95% CI 3.06 to 7.41, 7 studies, 670 women, I2 = 61%, moderate-quality evidence) but had higher rates of clinical pregnancy (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.64, 9 studies, 1027 women, I2 = 43%, moderate-quality evidence), ovulation (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.81 to 3.59, 14 studies, 701 women, I2 = 58%, moderate-quality evidence) and menstrual frequency (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.61, 7 studies, 427 women, I2 = 54%, low-quality evidence). There was no clear evidence of a difference in miscarriage rates (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.35, 4 studies, 748 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence). Metformin plus clomiphene citrate versus clomiphene citrate alone There was no conclusive evidence of a difference between the groups in live birth rates (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.59, 9 studies, 1079 women, I2 = 20%, low-quality evidence), but gastrointestinal side effects were more common with combined therapy (OR 3.97, 95% CI 2.59 to 6.08, 3 studies, 591 women, I2 = 47%, moderate-quality evidence). However, the combined therapy group had higher rates of clinical pregnancy (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.99, 16 studies, 1529 women, I2 = 33%, moderate-quality evidence) and ovulation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.92, 21 studies, 1624 women, I2 = 64%, moderate-quality evidence). There was a statistically significant difference in miscarriage rate per woman, with higher rates in the combined therapy group (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.46, 9 studies, 1096 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence) but this is of uncertain clinical significance due to low-quality evidence, and no clear difference between groups when we analysed miscarriage per pregnancy (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.12, 8 studies; 400 pregnancies, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence). Metformin versus clomiphene citrateWhen all studies were combined, findings for live birth were inconclusive and inconsistent (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.01, 5 studies, 741 women, I2 = 86%, very low-quality evidence). In subgroup analysis by obesity status, obese women had a lower birth rate in the metformin group (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.52, 2 studies, 500 women, I2 = 0%, very low-quality evidence), while data from the non-obese group showed a possible benefit from metformin, with high heterogeneity (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.94, 3 studies, 241 women, I2 = 78%, very low-quality evidence). Similarly, among obese women taking metformin there were lower rates of clinical pregnancy (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.55, 2 studies, 500 women, I2 = 0%, very low-quality evidence) and ovulation (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.43 2 studies, 500 women, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence) while among non-obese women, the metformin group had more pregnancies (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.33, 5 studies, 490 women, I2 = 41%, very low-quality evidence) and no clear difference in ovulation rates (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.28, 4 studies, 312 women, low-quality evidence, I2=0%). There was no clear evidence of a difference in miscarriage rates (overall: OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.67, 5 studies, 741 women, I2 = 52%, very low-quality evidence). D-chiro-inositol (2 studies), rosiglitazone (1 study) or pioglitazone (1 study) versus placebo or no treatmentWe were unable to draw conclusions regarding other insulin-sensitising drugs as no studies reported primary outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Our updated review suggests that metformin alone may be beneficial over placebo for live birth, although the evidence quality was low. When metformin was compared with clomiphene citrate, data for live birth were inconclusive, and our findings were limited by lack of evidence. Results differed by body mass index (BMI), emphasising the importance of stratifying results by BMI. An improvement in clinical pregnancy and ovulation suggests that clomiphene citrate remains preferable to metformin for ovulation induction in obese women with PCOS.An improved clinical pregnancy and ovulation rate with metformin and clomiphene citrate versus clomiphene citrate alone suggests that combined therapy may be useful although we do not know whether this translates into increased live births. Women taking metformin alone or with combined therapy should be advised that there is no evidence of increased miscarriages, but gastrointestinal side effects are more likely.

Beneficial effects of Heqi san on rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome through the PI3K/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND

Heqi San, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been reported to regulate hormone levels in patients with metabolic disease, suggesting a potential clinical application. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the effect of Heqi San on rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHOD

PCOS model was established in female SD rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control, untreated PCOS model, Heqi San treated PCOS model (8.1 g/kg) and metformin (MET) treated PCOS model (135 mg/kg) groups. All animals were subcutaneously injected with 6 mg/100 g dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the neck once a day for 20 consecutive days. The serum hormone levels were measured by ELISA. The ovarian tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to undergo pathological examination. The expression levels of GLTU4 and PTEN mRNA were examined by real time PCR. The crucial proteins in the PI3K/APT pathway were analyzed by western blotting. Then, the functions of the target genes were analyzed using bioinformatics approaches.

RESULTS

We found that Heqi San was able to recover the serum hormone levels and improve insulin resistance in PCOS rat model. A morphological lesion of the ovary was also restored with the Heqi San treatment. More importantly, we discovered a correlation between the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the beneficial effects of Heqi San, demonstrating that its application could alter the expression levels of p-ERK, p-AKT, p-GSK3β, IRS-1, PTEN and GLTU4, all key factors in the PI3K/APT pathway. Through a bioinformatical analysis, we predicted the related gene function and pathway of the pathological mechanism of PCOS and found miRNAs that are likely to be critical in PCOS occurrence, including rno-miR-144-3p, rno-miR-30c-2-3p, rno-miR-486, rno-miR-3586-3p and rno-miR-146b-5p.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects of Heqi on PCOS, including alter serum hormone levels, recover ovary morphological lesions and improve insulin resistance, which is mediated through the PI3K/AKT pathway. The potential role of miRNA-144-3p in PCOS pathogenesis.

Mono-ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a clinical review on ovulation induction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age and is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. The treatment approaches to ovulation induction vary in efficacy, treatment duration and patient friendliness. The aim was to determine the most efficient, evidence-based method to achieve mono-ovulation in women diagnosed with PCOS. Publications in English providing information on treatment, efficacy and complication rates were included until September 2015. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials were favoured over cohort and retrospective studies. Clomiphene citrate is recommended as primary treatment for PCOS-related infertility. It induces ovulation in three out of four patients, the risk of multiple pregnancies is modest and the treatment is simple and inexpensive. Gonadotrophins are highly efficient in a low-dose step-up regimen. Ovulation rates are improved by lifestyle interventions in overweight women. Metformin may improve the menstrual cycle within 1-3 months, but does not improve the live birth rate. Letrozole is effective for ovulation induction, but is an off-label drug in many countries. Ovulation induction in women with PCOS should be individualized with regard to weight, treatment efficacy and patient preferences with the aim of achieving mono-ovulation and subsequently the birth of a singleton baby.

Effect of physical activity on sex hormones in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Exposure to high levels of endogenous estrogens is a main risk factor for breast cancer in women, and in observational studies was found to be inversely associated with physical activity. The objective of the present study is to determine the effect of physical activity interventions on sex hormone levels in healthy women.

METHODS

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL), from inception to December 2014, and reference lists of relevant reviews and clinical trials were searched, with no language restrictions applied. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they compared any type of exercise intervention to no intervention or other interventions, and assessed the effects on estrogens, androgens or the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in cancer-free women. Following the method described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, data on populations, interventions, and outcomes were extracted, and combined using the inverse-variance method and a random-effects model. A pre-established protocol was drawn up, in which the primary outcome was the difference in circulating estradiol concentrations between the physical activity (experimental) and the control groups after intervention. Pre-specified subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis according to the risk of bias were conducted.

RESULTS

Data suitable for quantitative synthesis were available from 18 RCTs (1994 participants) for total estradiol and from 5 RCTs (1245 participants) for free estradiol. The overall effect of physical activity was a statistically significant decrease of both total estradiol (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.12; 95 % confidence interval [CI] -0.20 to -0.03; P = 0.01; I (2) = 0 %) and free estradiol (SMD -0.20; 95 % CI -0.31 to -0.09; P = 0.0005; I (2) = 0 %). Subgroup analyses suggest that this effect is independent of menopausal status and is more noticeable for non-obese women and for high intensity exercise. Meta-analysis for secondary outcomes found that physical activity induces a statistically significant decline of free testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate and adiposity markers, while a significant increase of SHBG was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the effect is relatively modest, physical activity induces a decrease in circulating sex hormones and this effect is not entirely explained by weight loss. The findings emphasize the benefits of physical activity for women.

Mental health and physical activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a brief review

This review was designed to consider the available literature concerning mental health and physical activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A systematic approach was taken and two electronic databases (PubMed and EBSCO Research articles published between 1970 and 2013) were searched in 2013 to inform a narrative review. Inclusion criteria encompassed requirements for the research to involve a physical activity intervention and assessment of mental health outcomes in women with PCOS. Seven articles considered mental health outcomes and physical activity interventions for women with PCOS. The results demonstrated positive outcomes following physical activity intervention for health-related quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Only one paper reported the independent effects of physical activity on mental health. All other interventions included multi-factor lifestyle interventions or did not establish a control group. Physical activity is likely to be beneficial to the mental health of women with PCOS; however, more research is required to establish the nature of the relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes.

Diagnostic characteristics and metabolic risk factors of cases with polycystic ovary syndrome during adolescence

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder without definite consensus on its diagnosis and management during adolescence. According to Amsterdam-2012 consensus, as physiological characteristics of adolescence may overlap with PCOS signs, it has been indicated that all Rotterdam criteria should be met. In this present study, characteristics of adolescents with different phenotypes who were diagnosed with PCOS were evaluated; and presence of differences for metabolic risk factors between phenotypes were investigated.

DESIGN

The study was performed on adolescent females. According to phenotypic application models, individuals with all Rotterdam diagnostic criteria [hyperandrogenism (HA), polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), and chronic anovulation (CA) on the ultrasonography] were in Group 1 (n = 26); with HA and CA were in Group 2 (n = 10); with HA and PCOM were in Group 3 (n = 7); and with CA and PCOM were in Group 4 (n = 10).

RESULTS

The most common application complaint (87%) among 53 cases enrolled in the study was menstrual irregularities, and 57% of cases were not obese. When PCOS was evaluated according to phenotypes, it was realized that cases that meet all 3 diagnostic Rotterdam criteria according to the current recommendation in adolescents. (Group 1) was the most common phenotype. Hyperandrogenism was associated with more metabolic abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

The close monitoring of adolescents, who have 2 diagnostic criteria is advisable among PCOS phenotypes. Potentially Groups 2 and 3 which have hyperandrogenism, in particular should warrant closer follow-up although they do not meet current diagnostic criteria for adolescents.

Metformin in women with PCOS, cons

Metformin has a potential role for insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) and has demonstrated efficacy in diabetes. There are a large number of studies and evidence syntheses comparing metformin with control, lifestyle interventions, the oral contraceptive pill, and clomiphene citrate; however, there is still uncertainty about the effectiveness of metformin in women with PCOS. Here we present a systematic overview of the evidence for the use of metformin in women with PCOS. The evidence suggests that metformin continues to have an unclear roll in PCOS until further well designed; methodologically rigorous effectiveness studies with large sample sizes are conducted, and these should include women across the body mass index (BMI) range.

Metabolic disorder and obesity in 5027 Brazilian postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the frequency of obesity in postmenopausal women and assess the potential effects of increased body mass index (BMI) on lipoprotein profile and on risk factors for arterial hypertension and diabetes.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 5027 postmenopausal Brazilian women. Analyses were performed of BMI and cardiovascular factors (systemic blood pressure [BP], total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein [HDL-C], triglyceride, and fast glucose). The statistical analysis included the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. The significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

Obesity (BMI >30) in our study characterized approximately 30% of the 5027 postmenopausal women. The comparison of patients with normal BMI and those with high BMI showed that high BMI had a significant negative effect on BP, as evidenced by the increased frequency of hypertension in overweight and obese patients (>25) (p < 0.001), that it also negatively and significantly affected triglyceride (p < 0.001) and fast glucose levels (p < 0.001), and that it was linked significantly to low levels of HDL-C.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed the high frequency of obesity in our population and of the cardiovascular risks (glucose, systemic arterial hypertension, and low HDL-C) associated with high BMI.

Nutritional and unhealthy behaviors in women with and without breast cancer

Background:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Global statistics indicate increasing rates of this cancer. Nutrition, diet, and healthy behaviors are among influential factors in prevalence of breast cancer, and possibly affect its incidence through inflammatory and immune system responses.

Objectives:

This study was designed to compare nutritional and unhealthy behaviors in women with and without breast cancer referred to Mahdieh Imaging Center in Hamadan in 2013.

Patients and Methods:

This cross-sectional study is conducted on 232 women with r and without breast cancer referred to Mahdieh Imaging Center of Hamadan, Iran) in 2013 using random sampling method. Data were collected using nutritional and unhealthy behaviors questionnaires, and analyzed with SPSS-17 software using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney, independent t, and chi-square tests.

Results:

The mean scores of feeding type in the patients with and without breast cancer was 56.14 and 66.25, respectively. Results obtained from data analysis showed that there was statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of nutrition (P < 0.001), but no relationship was observed between breast cancer and unhealthy behaviors.

Conclusions:

Given the results, improving skills, training and awareness is necessary for women and emphasis on modified diet is recommended as a non-medical option for prevention of breast cancer.

Comparison of lifestyle in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and healthy women

Given the high prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and that a lifestyle is recognized effective in development of many diseases, this study aimed to compare lifestyle of women with PCOS and healthy women. Nor are there sufficient studies on the difference between lifestyle of these people with that of healthy people. Furthermore, studies show that changes in lifestyle improve this disease. This descriptive-comparative study was conducted on 65 women with PCOS and 65 healthy women of 18 to 45 years old who presented to hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2013. The subjects were selected using multi stage random sampling method. The data were collected using questionnaires for diet, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and unhealthy behaviors and were analyzed in SPSS v. 17, using descriptive statistics, Man-Whitney, independent t, Chi-square and logistic regression tests. The results showed there was a significant relationship between PCOS and inappropriate diet (p=0.009), low physical activity (p=0.009), but no relationship was observed between PCOS and unhealthy behaviors. Given the results obtained, training and awareness raising is necessary for women and girls especially about appropriate diet and regular physical activity.

Effect of lifestyle intervention on the reproductive endocrine profile in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 18-22% of women at reproductive age. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the expected benefits of lifestyle (exercise plus diet) interventions on the reproductive endocrine profile in women with PCOS. Potential studies were identified by systematically searching PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry (1966-April 30, 2013) systematically using key concepts of PCOS. Significant improvements were seen in women receiving lifestyle intervention vs usual care in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, mean difference (MD) 0.39 IU/l (95% CI 0.09 to 0.70, P=0.01), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, MD 2.37 nmol/l (95% CI 1.27 to 3.47, P<0.0001), total testosterone levels, MD -0.13 nmol/l (95% CI -0.22 to -0.03, P=0.008), androstenedione levels, MD -0.09 ng/dl (95% CI -0.15 to -0.03, P=0.005), free androgen index (FAI) levels, MD -1.64 (95% CI -2.94 to -0.35, P=0.01) and Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) score, MD -1.01 (95% CI -1.54 to -0.48, P=0.0002). Significant improvements were also observed in women who received exercise-alone intervention vs usual care in FSH levels, MD 0.42 IU/l (95% CI 0.11 to 0.73, P=0.009), SHBG levels, MD 3.42 nmol/l (95% CI 0.11 to 6.73, P=0.04), total testosterone levels, MD -0.16 nmol/l (95% CI -0.29 to -0.04, P=0.01), androstenedione levels, MD -0.09 ng/dl (95% CI -0.16 to -0.03, P=0.004) and FG score, MD -1.13 (95% CI -1.88 to -0.38, P=0.003). Our analyses suggest that lifestyle (diet and exercise) intervention improves levels of FSH, SHBG, total testosterone, androstenedione and FAI, and FG score in women with PCOS.

Impact of age and body mass on the intensity of menopausal symptoms in 5968 Brazilian women

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship of onset of menopause and body mass on the menopausal symptoms in post-menopausal Brazilian women.

DESIGN

Observational study conducted by the selection and inclusion of 5968 Brazilian women after menopause. The following variables were analyzed in this study: time at menopause; the relationship between age at menarche and age at menopause; vasomotor symptoms compared with age at the time of menopause and the time of menopause; Kupperman menopausal index (KMI) versus total time of menopause; body mass index (BMI) compared to the time of menopause, vasomotor symptoms, and KMI total score. We used the Chi-square test, and the significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

The age at natural menopause ranged from 41 to 62 years (mean 48.1 ± 4.07 years). A younger age at menopause was associated with a high intensity of vasomotor symptoms. These symptoms were more intense in the first 5 years of menopause and decreased with time. The KMI total also decreased with time after menopause, with the exception of arthralgia, myalgia, and insomnia, which did not tend to improve over time. In addition, the vasomotor symptoms and total KMI were more frequent with increasing BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that the age of menopause and BMI may influence the intensity of vasomotor symptoms.