Clomiphene citrate reduces serum insulin-like growth factor I and increases sex hormone-binding globulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Prospective open trial.


METHODS
Eight women with clinical and biochemical evidence of PCOS.


METHODS
One hundred fifty milligrams CC was administered orally for 5 days.


METHODS
Serum IGF-I, SHBG, LH, FSH, and E2 levels were determined for 8 days, beginning 3 days before CC treatment.


RESULTS
A progressive decline in serum IGF-I levels was observed in all subjects reaching a maximum of 30% on the 5th day of therapy (40.6 +/- 5.1 to 28.7 +/- 4.0 nmol/L [conversion factor to SI unit, 0.13]). This was correlated inversely with the expected rises in LH, FSH, and E2 levels. Concomitantly, there was a 23% rise in SHBG levels. The absolute decrease of IGF-I levels was negatively correlated with age and was independent of body mass index.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations suggest that oral administration of CC has an impact on the IGF-I and SHBG systems, which may be involved in the initiation of ovulatory function in PCOS.
Bützow
T L
TL
Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0802, USA.
Kettel
L M
LM
Yen
S S
SS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism*
D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D002996:Clomiphene; D004958:Estradiol; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone