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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Jan 2023Metformin is the gold standard insulin sensitizer, which is widely used to treat insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, metformin may induce... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Metformin is the gold standard insulin sensitizer, which is widely used to treat insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, metformin may induce gastrointestinal side effects.
OBJECTIVE
Inositols have long been debated as a potential alternative for metformin in treating PCOS. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of inositols in treating PCOS.
METHODS
The present systematic search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase from the inception until October 20th, 2021. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included women diagnosed with PCOS and compared any inositols with metformin or placebo. Our primary outcome was cycle normalization, whereas secondary outcomes were body mass index (BMI), parameters of carbohydrate metabolism and clinical and laboratory hyperandrogenism. Results are reported as risk ratios or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Twenty-six RCTs were identified, including data of 1691 patients (806 inositol, 311 with placebo, and 509 metformin groups). In patients treated with inositols, the risk (CI: 1.13; 2.85) of having a regular menstrual cycle was found by 1.79 higher than in the case of placebo. Moreover, the inositols showed non-inferiority compared to metformin in this outcome. In the case of BMI (MD = -0.45; CI: -0.89; -0.02), free testosterone (MD = -0,41, CI: -0.69; -0.13), total testosterone (MD = -20.39, CI: -40.12; -0.66), androstenedione (MD = -0.69, CI: -1,16; -0.22), glucose (MD = -3.14; CI: -5.75; -0.54) levels and AUC insulin (MD = -2081.05, CI: -2745.32; -1416.78) inositol treatment induced greater decrease compared to placebo. Inositol increased sex-hormone-binding globulin significantly compared to placebo (MD = 32.06, CI:1.27; 62.85).
CONCLUSION
Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in PCOS. Moreover, inositols showed non-inferiority in most outcomes compared to the gold standard treatment; metformin.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021283275.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Inositol; Hypoglycemic Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Metformin; Testosterone; Insulins
PubMed: 36703143
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01055-z -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a kind of endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects female individuals of reproductive age. Lifestyle modifications,... (Review)
Review
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a kind of endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects female individuals of reproductive age. Lifestyle modifications, including diet modifications, exercise, and behavioral modification, appear to alleviate the metabolic dysfunction and improve the reproductive disorders of PCOS patients (particularly in obese women). Therefore, lifestyle modifications have been gradually acknowledged as the first-line management for PCOS, especially in obese patients with PCOS. However, the mechanism of lifestyle modifications in PCOS, the appropriate composition of diet modifications, and the applicable type of exercise modifications for specific female populations are rarely reported. We conducted a systematic review and enrolled 10 randomized controlled trials for inclusion in a certain selection. In this review, we summarized the existing research on lifestyle modifications in PCOS. We aimed to illustrate the relationship between lifestyle modifications and PCOS (referring to hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance as well as obesity) and also considered the priorities for future research. These results might be an invaluable tool to serve as a guide in lifestyle modifications as the intervention for PCOS and other related endocrine disorders.
Topics: Female; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Life Style; Menopause; Obesity; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PubMed: 35498415
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.808898 -
JBRA Assisted Reproduction Mar 2023Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism, and can lead to long-term insulin resistance, miscarriage, or even infertility in women. PCOS is a disorder that can be treated with natural and allopathic remedies that work against the PCOS mechanism. The present study reviews previous studies on the treatment of PCOS using natural drugs.
METHODS
The data in this study were collected from articles published in reputable databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID in the field of medicinal plants from 1990 to 2021.
RESULTS
A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, and de chiro Inositol improve the adverse effects of diabetes caused by PCOS by lowering lipid and blood glucose levels. Moreover, Stachys lavandulifolia and fennel are effective in changing endometrial tissue parameters in PCOS by reducing estrogen and hyperplasia.
CONCLUSIONS
Various studies have shown that herbal medicines can improve PCOS symptoms in women with minimal side effects but a longer treatment cycle.
Topics: Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Hirsutism; Infertility; Complementary Therapies
PubMed: 35916457
DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220024 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Jul 2021Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are key instruments to implement the practice of evidence-based medicine. We aimed to evaluate the methodological quality and...
CONTEXT
Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are key instruments to implement the practice of evidence-based medicine. We aimed to evaluate the methodological quality and variations in CPGs recommendations on the diagnosis and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL until December 2020 for all evidence-based CPGs and consensus statements on PCOS. We extracted data in duplicate to map clinical recommendations across prespecified disease domains and assessed CPGs methodological quality of using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research & Evaluation II tool.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We included 13 PCOS CPGs published between 2007 and 2018. CPGs recommendations were mostly focused on screening for and managing metabolic disease (12/13, 92%), followed by cardiovascular risk assessment (10/13, 77%). Mental health (8/13, 62%) and diagnosis in adolescents (7/13, 54%) were the least reported domains. Most CPGs had a high quality for scope and purpose description (12/13, 92%) while stakeholder's involvement and applicability of recommendations to clinical practice were appropriate in only 2 CPGs (2/13, 15%). We identified inconsistency in recommendations on PCOS diagnosis in adolescents, optimal lifestyle interventions, hirsutism and acne treatments, interventions to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, the frequency and screening criteria for metabolic and cardiovascular disease, and optimal screening tools for mental health illness in women with PCOS.
CONCLUSION
Current CPGs on the diagnosis and management of PCOS vary in their scope and methodological quality, which may hinder evidence translation into clinical practice. We identified disease domains with existing evidence gap to guide future research and guideline updates.
Topics: Disease Management; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Quality Assurance, Health Care
PubMed: 33839790
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab232 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Oct 2020The effect of diet on insulin resistance (IR) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is controversial. Thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The effect of diet on insulin resistance (IR) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is controversial. Thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether diet could reduce IR in women with PCOS while providing optimal and precise nutrition advice for clinical practice.
DESIGN
The search was conducted in 8 databases through June 30, 2019. The systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. A random-effects model was adopted to calculate the overall effects.
RESULTS
A total of 19 trials (1193 participants) were included. The analysis showed that diet was significantly related to improvements in IR and body composition (eg, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose, body mass index [BMI], weight, and waist circumference) in PCOS patients. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet and calorie-restricted diets might be the optimal choices for reducing IR and improving body composition, respectively, in the PCOS population. Additionally, the effects were associated with the course of treatment. The longer the duration, the greater the improvement was. Compared with metformin, diet was also advantageous for weight loss (including BMI and weight) and had the same effects on insulin regulation.
CONCLUSION
Overall, our findings suggest that diet is an effective, acceptable and safe intervention for relieving IR, and professional dietary advice should be offered to all PCOS patients.
Topics: Blood Glucose; Body Mass Index; Caloric Restriction; Counseling; Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension; Dietary Services; Fasting; Female; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Weight Loss
PubMed: 32621748
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa425 -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Jul 2021Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease but a mere syndrome. Many researchers have studied polycystic ovarian syndrome and found that there is no proper... (Review)
Review
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is not a disease but a mere syndrome. Many researchers have studied polycystic ovarian syndrome and found that there is no proper cause of that, it may occur due to hormonal imbalance or stress, or due to a sedentary lifestyle. The rate of polycystic ovarian syndrome in Indian women has been increasing rapidly. The symptoms include acne, weight gain, hirsutism, difficulties in fertility, irregular or infrequent periods, immature ovarian eggs that do not ovulate, multiple cysts in the ovary. If left untreated, it may become the cause for heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, and even cancer. There are varieties of medical treatments available to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome but they have a temporary effect and if taken for a long time then it may lead to serious side effects. Yoga has proven effects in reducing and managing the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome more effectively along with medicine. This review work has been designed to consider the available literature concerning the effectiveness of yoga in the management of the polycystic ovarian syndrome. It includes some research papers published between 2012 and 2019. By providing yogic treatment effect on several parameters (such as blood lipid level, glucose metabolism, endocrine parameters, quality of life, resting cardiovascular parameters, level of anxiety, depression) on the woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome were measured. After thoroughly studying about 74 research papers, 16 are found most relevant to be reviewed. The studies of these papers concluded the successful use of different yogic limbs for the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome with or without medications.
Topics: Female; Hirsutism; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Quality of Life; Yoga
PubMed: 34391246
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.02.018 -
Human Reproduction Update Nov 2022Lifestyle (dietary and/or physical activity [PA]) modification is recommended as first-line therapy to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Current recommendations... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Lifestyle (dietary and/or physical activity [PA]) modification is recommended as first-line therapy to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Current recommendations are based on healthy lifestyle practices for the general public since evidence for unique lifestyle approaches in PCOS is limited and low quality.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
We aimed to synthesize evidence on dietary and PA behaviors between women with PCOS and those without PCOS. Primary outcomes were overall diet quality, total energy intake and total PA, and secondary outcomes included macronutrients, micronutrients, food groups, foods, glycemic indices, sedentary time and sitting levels. We conducted this work to identify any unique lifestyle behaviors in women with PCOS that could underlie the propensity of weight gain and obesity in PCOS and be targeted for precision nutrition and PA interventions. These findings could be used to inform future practice recommendations and research that more effectively address complications (weight gain, obesity, diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular disease and mental health) in this high-risk population.
SEARCH METHODS
Databases of MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL were searched until 15 February 2022 to identify observational studies documenting dietary and PA behaviors between women with PCOS and without PCOS (Controls). Studies on children, adolescents (<18 years), pregnant or menopausal-aged women (>50 years) were excluded. Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as (standardized) mean differences (MD) and 95% CIs. The risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).
OUTCOMES
Fifty-four studies (N = 39 471 participants; [n = 8736 PCOS; 30 735 Controls]) were eligible (96%; [52/54] NOS scores ≥ 7). Women with PCOS had higher cholesterol (MD: 12.78, 95% CI: 1.48 to 24.08 mg/day; P = 0.03; I2 = 19%), lower magnesium (MD: -21.46, 95% CI: -41.03 to -1.91 mg/day; P = 0.03; I2 = 76%), and a tendency for lower zinc (MD: -1.08, 95% CI: -2.19 to -0.03 mg/day; P = 0.05; I2 = 96%) intake, despite lower alcohol consumption (MD: -0.95, 95% CI: -1.67 to 0.22 g/day; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%) versus Controls. Also, women with PCOS had lower total PA (standardized mean difference: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.72 to 0.03; P = 0.03; I2 = 98%). Conversely, energy, macronutrients (carbohydrate, fat, protein, fiber), micronutrients (folic acid, iron, calcium, sodium), glycemic index and glycemic load were similar (all: P ≥ 0.06). Most eligible studies reported lower total adherence to healthy eating patterns or poorer consumption of major food groups (grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, seeds, nuts, dairy) in women with PCOS, as described narratively since variable study methodology did not permit meta-analyses.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
Collective evidence supports that women with PCOS have a lower overall diet quality, poorer dietary intakes (higher cholesterol, lower magnesium and zinc) and lower total PA, despite lower alcohol consumption versus those without PCOS. Considerable heterogeneity among studies reinforces the need for research to address any relative contributions of other factors (e.g. genetic, metabolic or sociodemographic) to the observed differences. These clarifications may contribute to future evidence-based guideline recommendations on monitoring and managing PCOS in the era of precision lifestyle medicine.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Female; Humans; Aged; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Magnesium; Diet; Obesity; Exercise; Weight Gain; Micronutrients; Zinc; Cholesterol
PubMed: 35639552
DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac023 -
The Association between Vitamin D and Anti-Müllerian Hormone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients May 2020Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies indicates a role for vitamin D in female reproductive physiology, and numerous clinical studies have suggested its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Accumulating evidence from animal and human studies indicates a role for vitamin D in female reproductive physiology, and numerous clinical studies have suggested its potential benefit for various aspects of human reproduction. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an ovarian biomarker that plays an important role in folliculogenesis. It is the most sensitive ovarian reserve marker and is widely used clinically in reproductive medicine. While initial studies have suggested that vitamin D may be associated with ovarian reserve markers, including AMH, evidence has been conflicting. Currently, there is considerable debate in the field whether vitamin D has the capacity to influence ovarian reserve, as indicated by the AMH level. The current systematic review aims to evaluate and summarize the available evidence regarding the relationship between vitamin D and AMH. In total, 18 observational studies and 6 interventional studies were included in this systematic review. Cross-sectional studies have reported largely discrepant findings regarding an association between serum vitamin D and AMH levels, which are likely due to the heterogeneity in study populations, as well as the apparently complex relationship that may exist between vitamin D and AMH. However, meta-analysis of interventional studies performed herein that examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum AMH levels indicates a cause-effect relationship between vitamin D and AMH, the direction of which appears to depend on a woman's ovulatory status. Serum AMH was significantly decreased following vitamin D supplementation in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.53, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.15, < 0.007), while it was significantly increased following vitamin D supplementation in ovulatory women without PCOS (SMD 0.49, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.80, = 0.003). In conclusion, the results of this systematic review demonstrate that the relationship between vitamin D and AMH is a complex one, and large, randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation focusing on different vitamin D status ranges are necessary to gain more insight into the nature of this relationship and the potential benefit of vitamin D to female reproduction in general.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Ovarian Reserve; Ovulation; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Reproduction; Vitamin D
PubMed: 32481491
DOI: 10.3390/nu12061567 -
Obstetrics and Gynecology Mar 2023To estimate the effect of letrozole and clomiphene citrate in women with infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the effect of letrozole and clomiphene citrate in women with infertility and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION
MEDLINE through PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant studies from inception to February 1, 2022. Two reviewers retrieved, filtered, and extracted data independently using the bibliographic software EndNote X9 and Excel workbook. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting ovulation induction outcomes in women with infertility and PCOS treated with either letrozole or clomiphene citrate followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination. The data were merged into a mean difference or risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI, depending on variable types.
TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS
Data collection and organization were conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) statement. Twenty-nine RCTs were eligible, which included 3,952 women and 7,633 ovulation induction cycles. We acquired evidence from 22 RCTs for the ovulation rate, 28 RCTs for the clinical pregnancy rate, and eight RCTs for live-birth rate. Pooled analysis indicated that letrozole treatment prevailed against clomiphene citrate in ovulation rate (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.21, P <.001), clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.34-1.63, P <.001), and live-birth rate (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27-1.74, P <.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Letrozole was associated with improved ovulation, pregnancy, and live-birth rates compared with clomiphene citrate. We recommend letrozole over clomiphene citrate as an ovulation induction drug in women with infertility and PCOS, although the quality of the evidence is mixed.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO, CRD42022308777.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Letrozole; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Fertility Agents, Female; Infertility, Female; Live Birth; Clomiphene; Pregnancy Rate; Ovulation Induction
PubMed: 36735392
DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000005070 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Dec 2023We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Mediterranean diet on female reproductive health outcomes over the life-course. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Mediterranean diet on female reproductive health outcomes over the life-course.
DATA SOURCES
We searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify eligible studies published till February 2022. Eligible references from identified studies and review articles were also considered.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, or nested case-control studies examining Mediterranean diet and major female reproductive outcomes over the lifespan, including clinical outcomes from childhood to adulthood (menarche, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and outcomes related to fertility, pregnancy, and menopause), were included for review.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers screened and performed data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment. We performed random-effects meta-analysis to obtain summary relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for major female reproductive outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed for several pregnancy outcomes according to timing of the interventions for randomized controlled trials and timing of the dietary assessment for observational studies.
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies (9 randomized controlled trials, 22 prospective cohort studies, and 1 nested case-control study) involving 103,204 predominantly White women (>95%) were included. The pooled relative risk (95% confidence interval) comparing randomization to Mediterranean diet vs a control diet based on 7 randomized controlled trials was 0.74 (0.55-0.99) for gestational diabetes mellitus, 0.45 (0.26-0.76) for preterm birth, 0.71 (0.51-1.00) for gestational hypertension, and 0.82 (0.54-1.22) for preeclampsia; the effect sizes for preterm birth were greater in randomized controlled trials that initiated the interventions in first trimester vs after first trimester (P heterogeneity=.02). We observed inverse associations for all the above-mentioned pregnancy outcomes based on 9 cohort studies. There was suggestive evidence of favorable associations between Mediterranean diet adherence with fertility and gestational weight management. Limited studies suggested associations between higher Mediterranean diet adherence and later time to menarche and fewer vasomotor menopausal symptoms, null associations for polycystic ovary syndrome-like phenotype and pregnancy loss, and positive associations for luteal phase deficiency.
CONCLUSION
Adherence to Mediterranean diet may lower risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes among predominantly White populations. For fertility-related outcomes, available evidence supporting potential beneficial effects is suggestive yet limited. For other reproductive outcomes across the lifespan, data remains sparse.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Young Adult; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Diet, Mediterranean; Premature Birth; Reproductive Health; Longevity; Case-Control Studies; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 37506751
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.05.030