Simvastatin improves biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: results of a prospective, randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that statins improve hyperandrogenemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Prospective, randomized trial.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Forty-eight women with PCOS.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized to a statin group (simvastatin, 20 mg daily plus oral contraceptive pill [OCP]; n = 24) or an OCP group (OCP alone; n = 24).


METHODS
Serum T.


RESULTS
Baseline parameters of both groups were comparable. After 12 weeks of treatment, serum T levels declined by 41% in the statin group and by 14% in the OCP group. In the statin group, there was a greater decrease of LH (43% decrease vs. 9% in the OCP group) and a greater decline of LH/FSH ratio (44% vs. 12%). In the statin group, total cholesterol declined by 10% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 24%. In the OCP group, total cholesterol increased by 8%, and LDL was unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study demonstrating that statin decreases T levels and normalizes gonadotropin levels in women with PCOS. Statin therapy might offer a novel approach, providing endocrine and cardiovascular benefits.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8063, USA. antoni.duleba@yale.edu
Antoni J
AJ
Duleba
Beata
B
Banaszewska
Robert Z
RZ
Spaczynski
Leszek
L
Pawelczyk
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D019821:Simvastatin