Insulin resistance causes impaired vasodilation and hypofibrinolysis in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Introduction: Insulin resistance, a novel cardiovascular risk factor, is often associated with increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels and impaired vasodilation. Insulin infusion in the forearm induces plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tissue plasminogen activator expression and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in normal subjects. The present study explores the relationship between insulin-induced vasodilatory and fibrinolytic properties of the endothelium in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, frequently affected by insulin resistance and early atherosclerosis.

Effect of long-term naltrexone treatment on endocrine profile, clinical features, and insulin sensitivity in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: Evaluation of clinical and endocrine effects of naltrexone administration in obese women with PCOS.

Design: Open, controlled, clinical study.

Setting: Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

A 12-month clinical investigation with a 24-day regimen containing 15 microg ethinylestradiol plus 60 microg gestodene with respect to hemostasis and cycle control.

The effects of a 24-day regimen containing 15 microg ethinyl estradiol (EE) plus 60 microg gestodene on cycle control and on hemostasis, were evaluated in 58 healthy women (age 19-47 years). All women received the pill for 12 months. Withdrawal bleeding at every cycle during the tablet-free interval was experienced by 84.

Increased adrenal steroid secretion in response to CRF in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Objective: To evaluate adrenal steroid hormone secretion in response to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or to adrenocorticotropin hormone in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Design: Controlled clinical study.

Setting: Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Italy.

Pivagabine decreases stress-related hormone secretion in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea.

Stress-induced neuroendocrine activities influence the regulation of endocrine glands and axes. Weight loss-related hypothalamic amenorrhea is a typical stress-induced physiopathological condition. It is characterized by increased adrenal cortex activation and by reduced GH, LH, FSH and gonadal steroid hormone levels.