71A/G HSD17B5 SNP and Effects of Oral Contraceptive Pill in PCOS Women

17-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 5 Gene Polymorphism (71A/G HSD17B5 SNP) and Effects of Oral Contraceptive Pill on Hirsutism, Androgens and Metabolic Profile in Non-obese PCOS Women: a Pilot Study

An association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter gene that codify for 17b-HSD5 enzyme (71A>G) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hyperandrogenemia has been suggested in previous studies.

Given the role of 17b-HSD5 in androgenic metabolism producing testosterone from precursors, the investigators hypothesis is that women with PCOS and with the variant allele G have a poor response on hirsutism and on hormonal and metabolic variables after oral contraceptive pill (OCP) treatment for 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• hirsute women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of any drugs known to interfere with hormone levels for at least 3 months before the study
• Women with type 2 diabetes, homa index > 3.8, liver or renal disease or thyroid dysfunction
• Other hyperandrogenic disorders than PCOS