TLDR Spironolactone improved blood vessel function and cholesterol levels in non-obese women with PCOS.
The study examined the impact of spironolactone on endothelial function in 30 non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), using 20 body mass index-matched control subjects for comparison. Initially, the PCOS patients had significantly lower flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a measure of endothelial function, than the controls. After receiving 100 mg of spironolactone daily for 6 months, the PCOS patients showed a significant increase in FMD, aligning with the levels of the control group. Although serum androgen levels remained unchanged, there was a significant reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol levels. The study concluded that spironolactone treatment not only normalized endothelial function but also improved cholesterol profiles in non-obese women with PCOS, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits. However, the small sample size may limit the strength of these findings, and further research is needed to confirm the effects in different PCOS subgroups.
112 citations,
April 2009 in “Cochrane library” Spironolactone may reduce excessive hair growth in women but its effectiveness for acne is not supported.
56 citations,
July 2008 in “European journal of endocrinology” Metformin and rosiglitazone improve blood vessel function in women with PCOS, with metformin also reducing insulin resistance and testosterone levels.
155 citations,
March 2006 in “The American Journal of Medicine” Women with PCOS have heart-related issues not because of obesity, but due to insulin resistance and low adiponectin levels.
124 citations,
September 1980 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Spironolactone is effective in treating excessive hair growth in women.
31 citations,
November 2014 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” Women with androgen excess, especially those with PCOS, have a much higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
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.
343 citations,
December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews” Metformin helps with menstrual cycles and insulin levels in PCOS but is less effective for hair growth, diabetes prevention, and weight loss, and may improve fertility and reduce diabetes risk.
14 citations,
September 2015 in “Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets” The conclusion is that while oral contraceptive pills are effective for PCOS-related high androgen levels, new treatments with fewer side effects are needed.
January 2020 in “International Journal of Research” High testosterone increases heart disease risk in women with PCOS.