Effects of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel on clinical and metabolic parameters in Indian patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of an ethinyl estradiol (EE) and desogestrel (DSG) combination pill in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

A total of 42 women with PCOS were treated with an EE 30 mcg and DSG 150 mcg (EE/DSG) combination pill for 12 cycles. The following parameters were studied at 0, 6, and 12months: body mass index, abdominal circumference, Ferriman-Gallwey score, presence of acne and acanthosis nigricans, serum testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin levels, fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels. Free androgen index and glucose:insulin ratio were calculated.

RESULTS

There were significant improvements in Ferriman-Gallwey score, incidence of acne, serum testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin levels and free androgen index values at the 6-month follow up. But there were no further beneficial changes in the above parameters at the 12-month follow up. There were no significant changes in body mass index, abdominal circumference, incidence of acanthosis nigricans, fasting glucose and insulin levels and glucose:insulin ratio during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Significant improvements in hyperandrogenic parameters were seen only in the first 6months of treatment with EE/DSG in PCOS. Further continuation with this pill did not produce any significant improvement. There were no adverse effects on insulin sensitivity.