Rosiglitazone May Help Obese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Sepilian V, Nagamani M.: Effects of rosiglitazone in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and severe insulin resistance. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 90:60-65, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of infertility in women of childbearing age. Little is known about the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a hormone disorder. As a result of polycystic ovary syndrome, a woman's ovaries do not release an egg once a month as they should.

On average, women with polycystic ovary syndrome are obese and 60% are insulin resistant, which means that insulin in their bodies doesn't work well. Many women with polycystic ovary syndrome also have high levels of male hormone, which leads to acne, excessive hair growth, irregular menstrual periods, and weight gain.

Researchers wanted to know if the oral drug rosiglitazone helps women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Rosiglitazone is a drug that can reduce unhealthy high levels of insulin and improve blood glucose control.

Who was studied?

Twelve obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome were studied. All had a lot of body hair and were unable to get pregnant.

How was the study done?

All women were given 4 mg of rosiglitazone every day for 6 months. Each participant was given a glucose tolerance test at the beginning and at the end of the study. A glucose tolerance test shows how the body responds to a sugary drink. Male hormone levels were also measured before and after treatment.

What did the researchers find?

The women with high levels of glucose and male hormone also had high amounts of insulin in their blood. The women showed lower insulin levels, blood glucose, and male hormone after taking rosiglitazone. Almost all of them (11 of the 12) went back to normal ovulation cycles and produced one egg every month.

What were the limitations of the study?

Only 12 women were studied. A similar study with more participants may have different results.

What are the implications of the study?

Rosiglitazone may help insulin resistance and glucose control in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Women who are treated with rosiglitazone may improve their fertility and regain normal function.