The effect of oral contraceptive use on sympatic nerve activity in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE: High sympathetic nerve activity, is thought to be a cardiovascular risk factor, has been shown to correlate with circulating high testosterone levels. However its role on the pathophysiology of the polycystic ovarian syndrome has not been clearly established. The aim of our study is to compare the sympathetic nerve activity between polycystic ovarian syndrome and control group and to determine whether the use of oral contraceptives for contraception has any effect on this activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study has designed as a prospective, case-control study including patients diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Antropometric measurements were calculated, hormone levels were measured and sympathetic skin response and heart rate variability measurements were performed in the laboratory to assess sympathetic activity before starting oral contraceptive pill therapy and at the end of 1 month follow up. RESULTS: In the baseline condition LH/FSH ratio, LH, DHEAS, and total testosterone levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS. After 1 month of treatment, reductions in Ferriman-Gallwey score, ovarian volumes, number of follicles, LH/FSH ratio, LH, and androgen hormone levels were statistically significant. The mean values of sympathetic skin response amplitude and R-R analysis-Valsalva test were higher in PCOS group as compared to the control group. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no statistically significant difference in SSR latency and R-R analysis-standup test were demonstrated between PCOS and control groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study supports the increased sympatovagal activity in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.