TLDR Metformin effectively improves metabolic symptoms in women with PCOS, while alfacalcidiol does not have a significant impact.
In the 2017 study involving 39 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the effects of alfacalcidiol, metformin, and their combination on metabolic disturbances were evaluated over 6 months. The study found that metformin alone significantly reduced body weight, BMI, waist circumference, total body fat, and serum glucose levels. The combination of metformin and alfacalcidiol led to a significant reduction in waist circumference but did not significantly affect other metabolic parameters. Alfacalcidiol alone did not result in significant changes, except for a slight, non-significant increase in HDL cholesterol. The study concluded that vitamin D supplementation by itself does not significantly impact metabolic parameters in women with PCOS and that metformin is the most effective treatment for metabolic changes associated with PCOS.
16 citations,
March 2015 in “Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift” Vitamin D deficiency is common in women with PCOS and linked to some metabolic problems, but not the main cause of their metabolic issues.
1744 citations,
August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.
March 2024 in “International journal of life-sciences scientific research/SSR Institute of International Journal of Life Sciences” PCOS has many symptoms, with high androgen levels being the most common.
3 citations,
February 2016 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America” Manage women's cholesterol with diet, exercise, and careful treatment choices, especially during pregnancy, PCOS, and menopause.
14 citations,
October 2016 in “Physiological Research” Alfacalcidiol and metformin together lowered testosterone in women with PCOS, but did not significantly improve acne, hair growth, or pregnancy rates.
4 citations,
January 2017 in “Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism/Journal of pediatric endocrinology and metabolism” Two different mutations in the vitamin D receptor gene cause different symptoms and responses to treatment in Lebanese patients with hereditary rickets.
3 citations,
February 2016 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Using minoxidil and tretinoin on the skin, along with oral vitamin D, improved hair thickness and density in two girls with woolly hair.
