Effects of metformin plus rosuvastatin on hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with hyperlipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to compare the effects of metformin and metformin-rosuvastatin combination therapies on hyperandrogenism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Patients and methods: Thirty-eight PCOS patients with hyperlipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance, who were followed at Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism out-patient clinic of Cerrahpasa Medical School were included in the study. Twenty patients had lifestyle changes and metformin (2000 mg/day) therapy (M group) and 18 had statin (rosuvastatin 10 mg/day) in addition to this therapy (MR group). Total and free testosterone, DHEAS, FSH, LH, estrodiol, fasting glucose, insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, lipid parameters and homeostasis model assesment index (HOMAIR) were evaluated for each patient before and 12 weeks after the treatment.

Results: After 12 weeks of treatment body mass index (BMI), insulin and glucose levels, HOMA-IR had similar decreaments in both groups, whereas there was a greater decline of the total and free testosterone levels in MR group (p<0.001, p=0.004, respectively). DHEAS levels did not change in M group, however, significantly decreased in MR group after treatment (p=0.8, p=0.002, respectively). As expected hsCRP, triglyceride, total and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased more in MR group.

Conclusion: Metformin and rosuvastatin combination therapy could lead to a better reduction on hyperandrogenism and on atherosclerosis-related factors in PCOS, in addition to improving lipid parameters.