Polycystic ovary syndrome refers
to multiple cysts on the ovaries and a host of other problems that go
along with them, including
- Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
and
- Menstrual abnormalities,
- Hirsutism (increased facial
hair),
- Male pattern baldness,
- Acne, and
- Obesity.
Such women may also have varying
degrees of insulin resistance and an increased incidence of Type II diabetes,
unfavorable lipid patterns (usually high triglycerides), and a low bone
density. Laboratory tests often show higher than normal circulating androgens,
especially testosterone.
In this study researchers examined
a small group of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and found that
they were low in vitamin D levels.
Normalization of vitamin D
levels normalized menstrual cycles in over half the women in two months.
Two patients became pregnant and four others maintained normal menstrual
cycles.
Steroids
June 1999 64(6):430-5
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