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Simvastatin, metformin had similar effect on ovarian volume in women with PCOS

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American Society for Reproductive Medicine 65th Annual Meeting

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome assigned to treatment with simvastatin and/or metformin experienced comparable reductions in ovarian volume that correlated with the degree of reduction of hyperandrogenemia.

Previously reported preliminary results from a prospective, randomized trial comparing the effects of simvastatin and metformin on PCOS demonstrated that simvastatin and metformin improved hyperandrogenism and menstrual regularity. Here, the researchers presented new data regarding effects of both treatments on ovarian volume in 49 women with PCOS (mean age, 25.5 years).

Women were randomly assigned to daily 20 mg simvastatin, 1,700 mg metformin or simvastatin plus metformin. The treatment period was six months. Researchers performed ultrasonographic ovarian measurements and endocrine evaluations at baseline and at three and six months. No patient used oral contraceptive pills or other hormonal therapies.

At baseline, the overall total volume of both ovaries prior to treatment was 21.3 mL.

During the first three months of treatment, ovarian volume declined by 17% in the metformin group (P=.02), 10.9% in simvastatin group (P=.0001) and 6.7% in the combination group. After six months, ovarian volume declined by 16.1% in metformin group, 19.1% in simvastatin group and 17.2% in the combination group compared with baseline volume.

“Simvastatin or metformin therapy leads to comparable reduction of ovarian volume in correlation with the degree of reduction of hyperandrogenemia,” the researchers concluded.

The decrease in ovarian volume was correlated with decreased free testosterone (P=.02), according to the researchers.

“It is likely that reduction of ovarian volume may reflect decreased mass of androgen-producing tissues,” according to the researchers.

For more information:

• Banaszewska B. #O-106. Presented at: the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 65th Annual Meeting; Oct. 17-21, 2009; Atlanta.

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