Menstrual cyclicity post OC withdrawal in PCOS: Use of non-hormonal options. (17th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kulshreshtha, Bindu; Arora, Arpita; Pahuja, Isha; Sharma, Neera; Pant, Shubhi
• Is Part Of: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Volume 36:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 833
• Page End: 838
• Publication Date: 2016-08-17
• Subjects: Resumption -- periods -- menstrual cycles -- OC withdrawal -- oral contraceptive withdrawal -- post OCP; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2016.1159667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-3615

Abstract

Abstract : There is no data on menstrual cyclicity post oral contraceptive (OC) withdrawal with nonhormonal options in PCOS patients. OC could affect obesity, insulin and gonadotropins factors integral to pathogenesis of PCOS, thereby adversely affecting the HPG axis. Menstrual cycles of PCOS patients were retrospectively studied post OCP. Patients developing regular versus irregular cycles post OC were compared. Forty-eight PCOS patients were followed for an average of 1.9 years post OC. Thirty-six (75%) achieved regular cycles over a period of one year with other nonhormonal options like spironolactone and metformin. Seven patients required no treatment. Patients who continued to have irregular cycles had a longer pre OC cycle length ( p < 0.01) and a greater duration of menstrual irregularity ( p < 0.02), though age, BMI and hormones were similar in the two groups. In conclusion, spironolactone and metformin are effective nonhormonal options for regular periods post OC. Around 15% PCOS may not require any treatment post OC.