PCOS drugs change the way women think

A ground breaking study from Monash University will analyse one of the most prescribed forms of treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), to see if it changes the way in which women with PCOS think.

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women aged 18-35. Affecting around 1 in 10, common symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, excessive facial hair and acne. Some women with PCOS also find it harder to conceive.

The ovaries and adrenal glands of all women release small amounts of male hormones called androgens. However, women with PCOS produce slightly higher amounts, which can interfere with ovulation. With no cure available, anti-androgen medication, which works by blocking androgens, is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat PCOS.

Lead researcher, Professor Susan Davis, Director of the Women’s Health Research Program at Monash University, said the aim of the research was not to provide new information about the effectiveness of anti-androgens for PCOS, but to gather new information about the role of androgens in brain function in women.

“Although it is known from other studies that hormones influence brain function in men and women, the effect of lowering androgen levels on brain function in women with PCOS has never been systematically studied”, said Professor Davis.

The team at Monash believe that changing hormone levels, caused by anti-androgen therapy, may impact on the way women think and potentially could even have an impact on how they process new information.

“The anti-androgen, spironolactone, is commonly prescribed for women with PCOS, often for many years. Spironolactone lowers androgen levels in women, to stabilise the condition and reduce symptoms. It sometimes also improves mood and in some cases dramatically so. What we hope to learn through this research is whether this treatment affects how women think,” said Professor Davis.

To test this theory, researchers are calling for women in Melbourne with PCOS, aged 18-35, who are taking spironolactone, as well as women who are not on any treatment for their PCOS. Volunteers will be asked to visit the Monash Women’s Health Research program at the Alfred Hospital on two occasions over three months. The study will not involve any change to their medication.

“Learning and memory will be tested using a sensitive computer-based program, which is a bit like playing a computer game. Participants will be asked to respond to a variety of images and words on the screen, by clicking on the mouse. We will compare women who are receiving treatment with those yet to be treated to see if anti-androgen therapy alters the way women with PCOS think,” Professor Davis said.

Women taking the oral contraceptive pill are excluded from the study as the pill also alters hormone levels and therefore may affect the way women think.

Women interested in participating can call 03 9903 0827 or email womens.health@monash.edu

(Source: MONASH University)