The antiandrogenic effect of flutamide improves uterine perfusion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether, by blocking androgen action, flutamide can decrease and normalize vascular resistance in the uterine artery in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Prospective and controlled study.


METHODS
Endocrinological Centre of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Cagliari, Italy.


METHODS
Twenty-two patients with PCOS were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of the following two treatments for 3 months: oral administration of flutamide (250 mg twice daily) or placebo.


METHODS
Doppler flow measurement of the uterine artery and serum hormone concentration determination during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle before treatment and during the third month of treatment.


METHODS
Pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine artery before and during treatment.


RESULTS
The PI of the uterine artery decreased significantly during treatment. No difference was found in patients treated with placebo. Correlation was found only between the PI values of the uterine artery and DHEAS.


CONCLUSIONS
The low uterine perfusion that characterizes patients with PCOS can be improved by the antiandrogenic effect of flutamide.
Ajossa
Silvia
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy. gineca.sajossa@tiscal.it
Guerriero
Stefano
S
Paoletti
Anna Maria
AM
Orrù
Marisa
M
Melis
Gian Benedetto
GB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005485:Flutamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011674:Pulse; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D010919:Placebos; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D005485:Flutamide