Influence of oral contraceptives on anthropomorphometric, endocrine, and metabolic profiles of anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome patients

Miranda Krowinkel, Yvonne Louwers, Annemarie Mulders, Frank Jong, BCJM Fauser, Joop Laven

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24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) on anthromorphometric, endocrine, and metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Retrospective cross-sectional cohort study for the period 1993-2011. Setting: Tertiary university hospital. Patient(s): PCOS patients, who never, ever, or at time of screening were using OCPs were included. A total of 1,297 patients, of whom 827 were white, were included. All PCOS patients diagnosed according to the Rotterdam 2003 consensus criteria were divided into three groups: current users, (n = 76; 6% of total), ever users (n = 1,018; 78%), and never users (n = 203; 16%). Ever users were subdivided based on the OCP-free interval. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Anthromorphometric (blood pressure, cycle duration) and ultrasound (follicle count, mean ovarian volume) parameters, endocrine (SHBG, testosterone, free androgen index, antimullerian hormone [AMH]) and lipid profiles. Result(s): Current users and ever users were compared with never users. In current users, SHBG was increased and androgen levels decreased. Patients with an OCP-free interval of < 1 year had a higher mean follicle count, higher AMH level, and increased serum androgen level compared with never users. SHBG levels remained increased until 5-10 years after cessation of OCP use. Conclusion(s): OCP use causes a milder phenotypic presentation of PCOS regarding hyperandrogenism. However, it does not alter parameters associated with increased health risks. (C) 2014 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)1757-U344
JournalFertility & Sterility
Volume101
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Research programs

  • EMC MM-01-39-04
  • EMC MM-01-52-07

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