Effects of Resveratrol on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism is the central feature of PCOS. Studies on isolated ovarian theca-interstitial cells suggest that resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, reduces androgen production. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate endocrine and metabolic effects of resveratrol on PCOS. Design and Setting: This was a randomized (1:1) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the effects of resveratrol over a period of 3 months in an academic hospital. Patients and Other Participants: Subjects with PCOS were identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. Thirty-four subjects were enrolled and 30 subjects completed the trial. Evaluations were performed at baseline and repeated after 3 months of treatment. Intervention: Resveratrol (1,500 mg p.o.) or placebo were administered daily. Main Outcome Measure: Primary outcome was the change in the serum total T. Results: Resveratrol treatment led to a significant decrease of total T by 23.1% (P =.01). In parallel, resveratrol induced a 22.2% decrease of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (P =.01), a decrease of fasting insulin level by 31.8% (P =.007) and an increase of the Insulin Sensitivity Index (Matsuda and DeFronzo) by 66.3% (P =.04). Levels of gonadotropins, the lipid profile as well as markers of inflammation and endothelial function were not significantly altered. Conclusions: Resveratrol significantly reduced ovarian and adrenal androgens. This effect may be, at least in part, related to an improvement of insulin sensitivity and a decline of insulin level.