Polycystic Ovaries Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Polycystic Ovaries, including details on treatment, symptoms, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility.

Acarbose in obese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Penna IA, Canella PR, Reis RM, Silva de Sá MF, Ferriani RA

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The present study assessed the effects of low-dose acarbose on obese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 30 obese hyperinsulinaemic women with PCOS treated with 150 mg/day acarbose or placebo for 6 months. The women were evaluated for hirsutism, menstrual regularity, body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), LH, FSH, testosterone and androstenedione, and side-effects. RESULTS: The patients in the acarbose group showed a reduction in BMI (35.87 +/- 2.60 versus 33.10 +/- 2.94 kg/m(2)) and in the Ferriman-Gallwey index (8.85 +/- 2.31 versus 8 +/- 1.82), and an increased chance of menstrual regularity (rate = 2.67). SHBG concentration increased (21.01 +/- 7.9 versus 23.85 +/- 7.77 nmol/l) and the free androgen index was reduced (14.81 +/- 9.06 versus 11.48 +/- 6.18). None of these parameters were modified in the placebo group. Mild side-effects occurred in 84% of the patients in the acarbose group and disappeared after the first 3 months. CONCLUSION: A low dose of acarbose administered to obese patients with PCOS promotes a reduction in free androgen index and BMI and an increase in SHBG, with improvement of hirsutism and of the menstrual pattern, and is well tolerated by patients.

Published 11 August 2005 in Hum Reprod, 20(9): 2396-401.
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