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.