Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hyperandrogenic endocrine disorder associated with chronic oligo-amenorrhea, hirsutism, polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) and often with insulin resistance. Due to its heterogenic etiology, there is no general treatment, but rather an individual approach, according to patient’s symptoms, needs and wishes. The aim of this study is to detect possible variations in clinical and biochemical outcome in PCOS cases, after treatment with either combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP), metformin or inositols.

Methods: This prospective study presents 56 patients in fertile age (18–36 years), diagnosed with PCOS, that received treatment with either COCP (30mg Etinylestradiol+Dienogest), Metformin (2x500mg) or inositols (2g Myoinositol). Patients were evaluated clinically and biochemically at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results: In patients treated with COCP, LH levels decreased by 77–71% after 3 months, and LH:FSH ratio with 54.01% (P=0.0005) after 6 months. There was a 52% improvement in PCOM at ultrasound examination from 3 months treatment on (P<0.0001), but no significant decrease in menstrual cycle length. Metformin proved superior in decreasing abdominal circumference and HbA1c. The inositol group had the most significant improvement after 3 months, all parameters being significantly improved apart from FG score; menstrual cycle pattern improved significantly after 3 months of treatment (54.7%, P=0.0008). In conclusion, there are significant differences in clinical and biochemical parameters outcome between the different treatments, yet none of them turned out superior in all main symptoms, (hyperadrogenism, ovarian dysfunction and PCOM). Treatment in PCOS patients should be adapted to patient’s symptoms and needs.