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- Title
The natural history of the metabolic syndrome in young women with the polycystic ovary syndrome and the effect of long-term oestrogen–progestagen treatment.
- Authors
Pasquali, Renato; Gambineri, Alessandra; Anconetani, Bruno; Vicennati, Valentina; Colitta, Donatella; Caramelli, Elisabetta; Casimirri, Francesco; Morselli-Labate, Antonio Maria
- Abstract
OBJECTIVELittle is known about the natural history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), although preliminary data indicate that affected women are more susceptible than the general population to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at post-menopausal ages. The aim of this study was to follow-up all main features of the metabolic syndrome in a group of young women with PCOS and to investigate the long-term effects on metabolism and body composition of oestrogen–progestagen (OP) compounds, which are frequently used in these women to treat hyperandrogenism and related clinical features. DESIGNLong-term follow-up study. SUBJECTS AND METHODSThirty-seven women with PCOS were re-evaluated 10.3 ± 0.8 years (range 6–18 years) after their first assessments (age: before 19.8 ± 4.9 years; after 29.9 ± 4.4 years). When first examined, women were instructed to follow a hypocaloric diet if they were obese plus OP, if they agreed to such treatment. Main anthropometric parameters, basal sex hormones and lipids, fasting and glucose-stimulated glucose and insulin levels and several clinical data were recorded before and after follow-up. RESULTSIn the whole group of women with PCOS we found no changes in body weight and fat mass, whereas both the waist-to-hip ratio and the waist-to-thigh ratio were significantly reduced. No significant changes occurred in mean fasting and glucose- stimulated glucose and insulin concentrations, whereas a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein– cholesterol was found. No significant changes occurred in testosterone levels. During the follow-up period 16 women took OP for an average of 97 ± 18 months (range 12–180 months) (OP-users) whereas 21 women never took OP (non-OP-users). All OP-users were still taking OP when re-evaluated at the follow-up examination. With respect to baseline values, body mass index was higher in non-OP-users than in their counterparts. Waist circumference (P < 0.025),...
- Subjects
POLYCYSTIC ovary syndrome; ESTROGEN replacement therapy; THERAPEUTIC use of progestational hormones
- Publication
Clinical Endocrinology, 1999, Vol 50, Issue 4, p517
- ISSN
0300-0664
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1046/j.1365-2265.1999.00701.x