Impact of pharmacological interventions on biochemical hyperandrogenemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Context Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age and is characterised by biochemical and clinical androgen excess. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological interventions used to decrease androgen hormones in women with PCOS. Data source We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane library and the Web of Science from inception up to March 2021. Data synthesis Two reviewers selected eligible studies and extracted data, and the review is reported according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results Of the 814 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) located in the search, 92 met the eligibility criteria. There were significant reductions in total testosterone level with metformin versus (vs) placebo (SMD: - 0.33; 95% CI - 0.49 to - 0.17, p < 0.0001, moderate grade evidence) and dexamethasone vs placebo (MD:-0.86 nmol/L; 95% CI - 1.34 to - 0.39, p = 0.0004, very low-grade evidence). Significant reductions in the free testosterone with sitagliptin vs placebo (SMD: - 0.47; 95% CI - 0.97 to 0.04, p = 0.07, very low-grade evidence), in dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) with flutamide vs finasteride (MD: - 0.37 mu g/dL; 95% CI - 0.05 to - 0.58, p = 0.02, very low-grade evidence), a significant reduction in androstenedione (A4) with rosiglitazone vs placebo (SMD: - 1.67; 95% CI - 2.27 to - 1.06; 59 participants, p < 0.00001, very low-grade evidence), and a significant increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (35 mu g Ethinyl Estradiol (EE)/2 mg cyproterone acetate (CPA)) vs placebo (MD: 103.30 nmol/L; 95% CI 55.54-151.05, p < 0.0001, very low-grade evidence) were observed. Conclusion Metformin, OCP, dexamethasone, flutamide, and rosiglitazone use were associated with a significant reduction in biochemical hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS, though their individual use may be limited due to their side effects. PROSPERO registration No CRD42020178783.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the efficacy of pharmacological interventions in reducing androgen hormones in women with PCOS. The results indicated that metformin, oral contraceptive pill, dexamethasone, flutamide, and rosiglitazone were associated with a significant reduction in biochemical hyperandrogenemia in these women.