Effects of two different oral contraceptives on homocysteine metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two different oral contraceptives (OCs) on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism in 20 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Women were randomly allocated to receive either the biphasic OC containing 40/30 mug ethynylestradiol (EE)+25/125 mug desogestrel (DSG; n=10) or the monophasic OC containing 35 mug EE and 2 mg cyproterone acetate (CPA; n=10). Investigations were performed before and after 6 months of treatment. Fasting vitamin B(12), folate, Hcy and insulin sensitivity (SI), and glucose utilization independent of insulin (Sg), by the minimal model method, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Folate and vitamin B(12) were not significantly modified by either OC. EE/DSG decreased SI (2.53+/-0.35 vs. 1.68+/-0.45; p<.05), without modifying Hcy (9.54+/-0.7 micromol/L vs. 9.18+/-0.6 micromol/L). EE/CPA improved SI (1.47+/-0.38 vs. 3.27+/-0.48; p<.04) and decreased Hcy (9.8+/-1.9 micromol/L vs. 7.9+/-0.9 micromol/L; p<.05). This study indicates that in women with PCOS, EE/CPA, but not EE/DSG, improves IS and decreases fasting Hcy.