Effect of Weight and Insulin Sensitivity on Reproductive Function in PCOS

Summary

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive disorder in women of reproductive age and despite decades of research the etiology the disorder is not known. The characteristic hyperandrogenism and anovulation is associated with abnormal neuroendocrine function and insulin resistance. Obesity is a common correlated phenotype of Polycystic ovary syndrome and weight gain worsens the reproductive and metabolic complications. Currently there is no evidence-based treatment plan for infertility in Polycystic ovary syndrome; yet weight loss by dietary restriction and regular exercise are strongly advocated. Weight loss and increased insulin sensitivity appear to drive improvements in reproductive outcomes in women with Polycystic ovary syndrome; however, the mechanism connecting these changes with the reproductive axis is not fully understood.

Conditions

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Interventions

DRUG

Metformin

Subjects randomized to the metformin treatment group will receive 1000 mg extended release metformin hydrochloride tablets (Bristol Myers Squibb) twice per day with food approximately 8 hours apart.

BEHAVIORAL

Dietary Restriction

Subjects randomized to the dietary restriction group will reduce their energy intake by 25% of their weight maintenance energy intake determined at baseline. Total energy expenditure as measured by a 14-day doubly labeled water (DLW) study will be used to determine the baseline energy intake of each subject. There will be no gradual ramping of dietary restriction. The 25% energy reduction goal will apply from the first day of the intervention for a period of 24 weeks. Subjects will be asked to not modify their normal level of physical activity.

BEHAVIORAL

Exercise Training

For the aerobic training component, subjects are required to meet a weekly energy expenditure target of 10 kcal per kg of body weight per week (KKW). The resistance training program will be performed 2 days a week. The resistance program includes 9 exercises. The 9 primary exercises are seated chest press, seated row, shoulder press, lat pull down, double leg press, leg extension, leg curl, back extension and abdominal crunch.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

  collaborator NIH

• Pennington Biomedical Research Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Leanne M Redman, PhD · Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2012-05-31

Primary Completion

2016-04-30

Completion

2016-12-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations