The effects of calcium-vitamin D and metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of calcium-vitamin D and metformin on the menstrual cycle and ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
In this pilot study, 60 infertile PCOS patients were enrolled in a randomized clinical trial and divided into three equal groups. Group 1 received 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D per day, orally. Group 2 received the same as Group 1, plus 1,500 mg/day of metformin. Group 3 received 1,500 mg/day of metformin. The patients were treated for 3 months and followed up for a further 3 months. Regularity of menses, number of large follicles (> or = 14 mm) and pregnancy rates were compared among the three groups.


RESULTS
Generalized estimating equation tests showed that the number of dominant follicles (> or = 14 mm) during the 2-3 months of follow-up was higher in the calcium-vitamin D plus metformin group than in either of the other two groups (p = 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of metformin and calcium-vitamin D in regulating the menstrual cycle suggest that they could also be effective for the treatment of anovulation and oligomenorrhea, with possible consequences for pregnancy rates in PCOS patients.
Rashidi
Batool
B
Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. bhrashidi@yahoo.com
Haghollahi
Fedieh
F
Shariat
Mamak
M
Zayerii
Farid
F
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055815:Young Adult
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; D008687:Metformin; D002118:Calcium