TLDR Pioglitazone improved insulin sensitivity and altered cortisol metabolism in PCOS patients.
The study investigated the effects of pioglitazone on cortisol metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 30 participants over 16 weeks. Pioglitazone treatment significantly improved insulin sensitivity, increased growth hormone (GH), adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels, and decreased relative 5α-reductase activity. However, it did not significantly change testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), 24-hour mean cortisol, or urinary excretion of steroid metabolites. The study concluded that pioglitazone decreased relative 5α-reductase activity without significantly altering cortisol levels or urinary cortisol excretion.
169 citations,
August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology” Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
28 citations,
May 2018 in “Scientific reports” Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation in PCOS rats.
467 citations,
October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” The European Society of Endocrinology advises individualized long-term management for PCOS, focusing on lifestyle changes, accurate diagnosis, and treatments for associated health risks and symptoms.
December 2024 in “African Journal of Biomedical Research” Combining lifestyle changes and medication is most effective for managing PCOS symptoms.
1514 citations,
December 2011 in “Fertility and sterility” Experts agree that PCOS affects women's health in complex ways, but more research is needed to understand and treat it effectively.
1 citations,
June 2019 in “Innovare journal of medical sciences” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women that can cause infertility and other health issues, and it may be improved by treatments that increase insulin sensitivity.
