Publication:

A study of N-acetyl cysteine, metformin and vitamin D3 with calcium on clinical and metabolic profile in PCOS

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by the combination of hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation and polycystic ovaries. Objective of present study was to compare the effects of N-acetyl cysteine, metformin and vitamin D3 with calcium on clinical and metabolic profile in PCOS.

Methods 66 women were randomly assigned into three equal treatment groups. Group 1 received N-acetyl cysteine, 600 mg three times a day. Group 2 metformin hydrochloride, 500 mg two times a day for 1 week, then three times a day for rest of the study and Group 3 Vit-D3 60,000 IU weekly with calcium 1500mg daily. Clinical and metabolic assessment was done at baseline and after three months of treatment.

Results After 12 weeks of treatment improvement of symptoms was seen in all the three groups, however better improvement in oligomenorrhea and hirsutism was seen in metformin group than others two groups. The clinical parameters like weight, BMI, waist hip ratio, biochemical markers of insulin resistance, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, fasting glucose/insulin ratio were significantly decreased in N-acetyl cysteine group than others two groups.

Conclusions N-acetyl cysteine had better improvement in clinical, and metabolic profile than metformin and vitamin D3 with Calcium group in PCOS patients. It can be used as a substitute for insulin reducing medications in treatment of PCOS patients, considering its limited adverse effects.