The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of six months treatment with alpha-lipoic acid on clinical, endocrine and metabolic features in women affected by PCOS. Menstrual pattern, anthropometric parameters, hirsutism score, ultrasound ovarian featureas, an oral glucose tolerance test and hormonal assays are evaluated before and after therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women with PCOS in accordance with Rotterdam criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• past history of cardiovascular diseases
• diabetes mellitus (or impaired glucose tolerance as determined by a standard 75 gr oral glucose tolerance test)
• hypertension
• significant liver or renal impairment
• other hormonal dysfunction (hypothalamic, pituitary, thiroidal or adrenal)
• neoplasms.