title: The effect of chromium supplementation on polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition. Treatment with chromium has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in adults with PCOS. Treatment of adolescents with PCOS remains a challenge.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of chromium supplementation on the various components of polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescent girls.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-five adolescent girls with PCOS were enrolled. History of menstrual irregularities was recorded. All underwent physical examination for presence of acne, scoring of hirsutism, and calculation of body mass index. Pelvic ultrasonography was done and serum free testosterone was measured in all subjects. All subjects received 1000 μg chromium picolinate for 6 months followed by re-evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean (SD) age was 15.5 (1) years (range: 14-17 y). No significant change in BMI standard deviation score (SDS) with chromium supplementation was noted (1.9 (0.7) SDS vs 2 (0.7) SDS, P = .638). The number of patients with oligo/amenorrhea decreased with treatment (29/35 (83%) versus 11/35 (31%), P < .001). Significant reduction in mean ovarian volume (P < .001), total follicular count (P < .034), and free testosterone (P< .002) was observed. No significant improvement in acne or hirsutim was noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supplementation with chromium to adolescents with PCOS is a promising treatment option.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Electronic address: nerminehamr@hotmail.com.
authors: Nermine
authors: N
authors: Amr
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
authors: Hossam Eldin
authors: HE
authors: Abdel-Rahim
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris; D000293:Adolescent; D000568:Amenorrhea; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002857:Chromium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002857:Chromium; D013739:Testosterone
keywords: Adolescents; Chromium; Polycystic ovary syndrome