Simvastatin improves biochemical parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: results of a prospective, randomized trial

Objective: To test the hypothesis that statins improve hyperandrogenemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Prospective, randomized trial. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): Forty-eight women with PCOS. Intervention(s): Subjects were randomized to a statin group (simvastatin, 20 mg daily plus oral contraceptive pill [OCP]; n = 24) or an OCP group (OCP alone; n = 24). Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum T. Result(s): Baseline parameters of both groups were comparable. After 12 weeks of treatment, serum T levels declined by 41% in the statin group and by 14% in the OCP group. In the statin group, there was a greater decrease of LH (43% decrease vs. 9% in the OCP group) and a greater decline of LH/FSH ratio (44% vs. 12%). In the statin group, total cholesterol declined by 10% and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 24%. In the OCP group, total cholesterol increased by 8%, and LDL was unchanged. Conclusion(s): This is the first study demonstrating that statin decreases T levels and normalizes gonadotropin levels in women with PCOS. Statin therapy might offer a novel approach, providing endocrine and cardiovascular benefits.