PCOS is the most typical endocrine disturbance affecting women in the reproductive age group and encompasses signs of hyperandrogenism, menstrual cycle disturbances, and obesity. Some of the symptoms of PCOS may be facilitated by the COCP.
A pilot observational study was carried out in a university teaching hospital setting to determine whether the clinical and biochemical features of PCOS are facilitated by a new COCP, Yasmin®, which contains new progestogen drospirenone. Treatment with Yasmin was given for six months to 17 patients.
Thirteen patients completed six months of therapy. Reasonable cycle control was achieved in all patients. Percentage body fat increased, with no overall change in body mass index. Fasting insulin and triglyceride concentrations rose significantly. Serum total testosterone concentrations fell with a concomitant rise in sex hormone-binding globulin levels. Hirsutism scores did not change considerably in the 12 clinically hirsute women. There was, however, a significant improvement in the acne scores. Four of the 17 patients dropped out of the trial between Cycles 3 and 5 due to side effects.
Yasmin provides reasonable cycle control for women with PCOS, with an improvement in acne over six months but not in other syndrome symptoms.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/30/3/163
