Effects of two different oral contraceptives on homocysteine metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two different oral contraceptives (OCs) on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism in 20 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods Women were randomly allocated to receive either the biphasic OC containing 40/30 μg ethynylestradiol (EE)+25/125 μg desogestrel (DSG; n =10) or the monophasic OC containing 35 μg EE and 2 mg cyproterone acetate (CPA; n =10). Investigations were performed before and after 6 months of treatment. Fasting vitamin B 12 , folate, Hcy and insulin sensitivity (SI), and glucose utilization independent of insulin (Sg), by the minimal model method, were evaluated. Results Folate and vitamin B 12 were not significantly modified by either OC. EE/DSG decreased SI (2.53±0.35 vs . 1.68±0.45; p . 3.27±0.48; p