Unused opportunities for correction of endocrine and metabolic disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective. To evaluate the effect of myo-inositol (MI) on endocrine and metabolic parameters and body composition in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Subjects and methods. A total of 140 PCOS patients (mean age, 26.4±4.6) years; mean BMI, 23.2+4.3) kg/m2) received Fertina (a combination of 1000 mg of MI and 100 pg of folic acid (FA)), Orion Pharma, Finland) as 4 sachets per day. To date, a 3-month therapy cycle have been completed by 75 (53.6%) patients and 6-month course one have been completed by 57(40.7%) women. They underwent clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examinations at baseline and after 3 and 6 months course. Results. Correction of biochemical hypeandrogenism was to progressively decrease androgen levels: total testosterone by 18%, free testosterone by 29%, and androstenedione by 15% (p <0.001) and to reduce the level of sex steroid-binding globulin by 25%. By the end of 6-month course, there were decreases in the frequency of hypeinsulinemia from 48 to 22.8% (p = 0.004), impaired glucose tolerance from 18.7 to 3.5% (p <0.001), and hyperleptinemia from 50.7% to 22% (p <0.001). The patients lost an average of 2.2 (0.9) and 4.8 (1.3) kg of body weight after 3 and 6 months course, respectively. After 6 months course, the incidence of latent obesity diagnosed on the basis of an increased percentage of adipose tissue > 30% declined by almost 2 times (from 64.7 to 39%). The decrease in total body fat mass was only 11.5%, while visceral adipose tissue was 38%. At 6 months, every three patients achieved regular menstrual cycles; pregnancy occurred in every five of those who were interested in this. Conclusion. MI administration can be viewed as an effective approach to correcting not only hormonal endocrine parameters, but also ovulatory dysfunction in patients with PCOS.

polycystic ovary syndrome, myo-inositol