Acarbose in obese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

Background: The present study assessed the effects of low-dose acarbose on obese patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 30 obese hyperinsulinaemic women with PCOS treated with 150 mg/day acarbose or placebo for 6 months. The women were evaluated for hirsutism, menstrual regularity, body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), LH, FSH, testosterone and androstenedione, and side-effects. Results: The patients in the acarbose group showed a reduction in BMI (35.87 ± 2.60 versus 33.10 ± 2.94 kg/m2) and in the Ferriman-Gallwey index (8.85 ± 2.31 versus 8 ± 1.82), and an increased chance of menstrual regularity (rate=2.67). SHBG concentration increased (21.01 ± 7.9 versus 23.85 ± 7.77 nmol/l) and the free androgen index was reduced (14.81 ± 9.06 versus 11.48 ± 6.18). None of these parameters were modified in the placebo group. Mild side-effects occurred in 84% of the patients in the acarbose group and disappeared after the first 3 months. Conclusion: A low dose of acarbose administered to obese patients with PCOS promotes a reduction in free androgen index and BMI and an increase in SHBG, with improvement of hirsutism and of the menstrual pattern, and is well tolerated by patients. © The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved.