Effect of Antiandrogen Treatment on Bone Density and Bone Geometry in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology , 05/15/2012  Clinical Article

Bechtold S et al. – No significant changes in bone mineral density and geometry parameters took place in PCOS women irrespective of treatment followed over a time of almost two years. General muscle weakness expressed as low grip strength may influence further bone development in PCOS.

• To determine the impact of antiandrogen treatment on bone density and geometry.
• Prospective cohort investigation.
• 38 (age 14.96 ± 1.42 yr) subjects with PCOS.
• Bone density and geometry parameters at baseline and after a mean duration of 1.92 ± 0.88 years using peripheral quantitative computed tomography of the forearm.

• At baseline, z–scores for trabecular (0.53 ± 1.02) and cortical BMD (0.79 ± 1.55) as well as total (0.62 ± 1.07) and medullary cross sectional area (CSA) (0.79 ± 1.29) were elevated.
• Cortical CSA (-0.01 ± 1.10) and bone strength strain index (SSI) z–scores (-0.01 ± 1.10) were normal.
• Muscle CSA z–score (0.12 ± 1.70) was normal, but grip strength (-1.60 ± 1.15) was significantly reduced.
• There were no significant changes within and between the two treatment options in respect to bone density and bone geometry parameters.
• With antiandrogen treatment, free androgen index (FAI) was significantly lower and grip strength further decreased (P < .001).