ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is a multifactorial, metabolic disorder. Characteristics are chronic anovulation, polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogenism. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of omega-3 supplementation on visfatin, adiponectin, and anthropometric indices in PCOS women. The study was a randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. It was conducted on 84 women with polycystic ovary syndrome [26.92 +/- 5.05 years, BMI=31.69 Kg/m[2]] who referred to the fertility and infertility research center and Shahid Sadoughi hospital in Yazd. After the examination, evaluation and paramedical assessment by obstetrician, they were recruited. They took 3 capsules of omega-3 [each one contained 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA] or placebo [each contained 1 g paraffin] daily for 8 weeks. Statistical analysis was paired T-test and student T-test, and a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. After the intervention, visfatin concentration did not change in neither groups. But, at the end of the study, the mean of adiponectin concentration increased [p<0.001] in omega-3 group. Moreover, the mean of changes in this factor was significantly different between groups [p<0.005]. FSH did not change in two groups of the study. However, the mean of LH decreased about 1.74 mlU/ml in omega-3 group [p<0.005]. The mean of change of LH/FSH ratio between groups was significant [p<0.05]. After the intervention, prolactin did not meaningfully change in both groups. Our results showed that 8 weeks of supplementation of omega-3 may have some beneficial effects on PCOS biochemical characteristics such as LH, LH/FSH, and adiponectin
ABSTRACT
There is some evidence regarding the effect of poly unsaturated fatty acid intake on androgen levels and gonadal function in polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]. This study was conducted to determine the effect of omega-3 supplementation on sex hormone-binding protein [SHBG], testosterone, free androgen index [FAI] and menstrual status in women with PCOS. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 78 overweight/obese women with PCOS. Participants were randomized to receive omega-3 [3gr/day] or placebo for 8 weeks. Data about weight, height and nutrient intake as well as blood samples were collected before and after intervention. Serum concentrations of testosterone [nmol/L] and SHBG [nmol/L] were measured. FAI was also calculated as the ratio of testosterone to SHBG. Seventy eight patients [age: 26.92 +/- 5.46 yrs, Body Mass Index: 31.69 +/- 4.84 Kg/m[2]] completed the study. There was no significant difference in mean age, weight, height, Body Mass Index and intake of energy, and macronutrients between 2 study groups before and after treatment. All the participants had irregular periods. After the trial the percentage of regular menstruation in the omega-3 group was more than the placebo group [47.2% vs.22.9%, p=0.049]. Furthermore, testosterone concentration was significantly lower in the omega-3 group compared with placebo, after supplementation [p=0.04]. SHBG and FAI did not change in either group. Omega-3 supplementation could reduce serum concentrations of testosterone and regulate menstrual cycle without significant effect on SHBG and FAI. Future studies with longer period of supplementation are warranted