PCOS Review Newsletter #90

A free health newsletter for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovaries.   Issue #090      September 30, 2009

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) More Good News about Inositol for PCOS

2) PCOS and Cancer Risk

3) Metformin Linked to Low Vitamin B12

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1) More Good News about Inositol for PCOS

We've spoken often of the value of supplemental inositol, a member of the B-vitamin family, as an aid for improving ovulation and reducing other symptoms of PCOS.

There is more good news from Azienda USL hospital in Italy. Forty-two women with PCOS were treated. One group took folic acid (another B vitamin). The other group took folic acid plus inositol.

The women taking inositol had a dramatic drop in their testosterone levels; their testosterone levels were only about 1/3 of what they were before taking the inositol. (Women with polycystic ovary syndrome typically have excessive levels of the male hormone testosterone, which leads to problems such as a lack of ovulation, hirsutism, hair loss and acne.)

In addition, the women taking inositol reduced their triglycerides and blood pressure. Their insulin sensitivity also significantly improved.

The women who took only the folic acid experienced minor improvements which paled in comparison to those taking both folic acid and inositol.

The women taking inositol also achieved better ovulation: 16 of 23 women in inositol group ovulated vs. only 4 of 19 in other group.

Supplemental inositol is non-toxic and appears to be beneficial.

We have two types of inositol in our online store: regular inositol and d-pinitol. D-pinitol is a special form of inositol that is thought to be more effective than regular inositol.

Source:
Costantino D et al, Metabolic and hormonal effects of myo-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double-blind trial, Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2009 Mar-Apr;13(2):105-10

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2) PCOS and Cancer Risk

Have you wondered whether you have an increased risk of female-related cancers because of polycystic ovarian syndrome?

There has been very little research on this important topic. However, the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in the UK went through the medical databases and found eight studies that appeared to be relevant.

After reviewing these studies, the researchers commented that "women with PCOS appear to be three times more likely to develop endometrial cancer but are not at increased risk of breast cancer."

They also said there was not enough evidence to implicate PCOS in the development of vaginal, vulval, cervical or ovarian cancers.

So it appears that endometrial cancer might be your biggest risk. It is the most common type of uterine cancer.

Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, increased levels of estrogen appear to play a role. Estrogen helps stimulate the buildup of the lining of the uterus. Studies indicate that high levels of estrogen can result in excessive endometrial growth and possibly cancer.

Endometrial cancer usually occurs later in life. A typical pelvic exam is not very good at detecting it in its early stages. If you have any abnormal bleeding or unexplained abdominal pain or pelvic cramping, always consult with your doctor without delay.

Source:
Chittenden BG et al, Polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of gynaecological cancer: a systematic review, Reprod Biomed Online. 2009 Sep;19(3):398-405

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3) Metformin Linked to Low Vitamin B12

A new study by the U.S. Army of 203 diabetic individuals has shown that nearly one out of four has a vitamin B12 deficiency. That's an alarmingly high percentage. But the most interesting thing was that the people who were on metformin (Glucophage) therapy had a higher risk of B12 deficiency than those not taking metformin.

In addition, the people who were taking a multi-vitamin had the least risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Many women with PCOS have been prescribed metformin and have been on it for years. If you're in this group, we strongly recommend that as a minimum you take a high quality multivitamin with a good amount of vitamin B12.

And don't forget…if you're trying to conceive, you will need B12 for the normal development of your baby.

Another thing to bear in mind…once you have developed a vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take a long time to get back to an optimal level. So if you're taking metformin, why not reduce your risk of developing a B12 deficiency by starting today to take extra vitamin B12?

A high-quality multivitamin-mineral is available here.

Source:
Pflipsen MC et al, The prevalence of vitamin B(12) deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study, J Am Board Fam Med. 2009 Sep-Oct;22(5):528-34

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Thought for Today: "It is in the shelter of each other that the people live." -- Irish Proverb