Alteration of cardiovascular risk parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome who were prescribed to ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the alteration of cardiovascular and metabolic risk parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients after a 6-month treatment with an oral contraceptive (OC) containing cyproterone acetate (CPA).

Methods: Forty women with PCOS were evaluated at baseline and after treatment with an OC. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), nitrate-mediated dilatation (NMD), high sensitive (hs)-CRP, lipid levels, index of glucose sensitivity, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA) were assessed.

Results: Mean CIMT was significantly elevated (0.03 ± 0.01 mm) (p < 0.05). There was a tendency of reduction in FMD, which was significant among overweight patients (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol, low-density lipid (LDL), and triglyceride levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: CIMT as an indicator of early atherosclerosis and FMD as a finding of endothelial dysfunction seem to be deteriorated especially in overweight PCOS patients who were prescribed to OC containing cyproterone acetate for 6 months.