Statin therapy worsens insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

doi:10.1210/jc.2013-2674

Paper

Statin therapy worsens insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Published Oct 23, 2013 · J. Puurunen, T. Piltonen, K. Puukka

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism

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Abstract

CONTEXT Statins have been shown to improve hyperandrogenism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, their use has also been associated with impairment of glucose metabolism and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because women with PCOS are prone to disturbances in glucose metabolism, statin therapy could also have negative effects. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to explore the effects of atorvastatin therapy on hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-month follow-up study conducted at Oulu University Hospital, Finland. PATIENTS Women with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) were treated with atorvastatin (20 mg/d, n = 15) or placebo (n = 13) for 6 months. INTERVENTIONS Fasting serum samples were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Oral and iv glucose tolerance tests were performed at 0 and 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Androgen secretion and glucose metabolism were measured. RESULTS Fasting levels and area under the curve of insulin increased significantly and insulin sensitivity (insulinogenic and Matsuda indexes) decreased during 6 months of atorvastatin therapy. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate decreased in the atorvastatin group, whereas no change was observed in serum testosterone levels. Levels of C-reactive protein, total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased significantly during statin therapy. CONCLUSIONS Atorvastatin therapy improves chronic inflammation and lipid profile, but it impairs insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Because women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, the results suggest that statin therapy should be initiated on the basis of generally accepted criteria and individual risk assessment of cardiovascular disease, and not only because of PCOS.

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Study Snapshot

Atorvastatin therapy improves chronic inflammation and lipid profile but impairs insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Statin therapy worsens insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

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