Sexual Function and Depressive Symptoms in Metformin-Treated Women with Drug-Induced Hyperprolactinemia and Different Vitamin D Status: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Background: Elevated prolactin levels are associated with disturbances in female sexual function. While long-term therapy with dopamine agonists has been shown to improve these disturbances, the therapeutic benefits appear to be reduced in the presence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine whether vitamin D status modulates the effects of metformin-a medication with less pronounced prolactin-lowering properties-on sexual function and depressive symptoms. Methods: The study cohort comprised three groups of reproductive-age women with drug-induced hyperprolactinemia and prediabetes, matched for age, glycated hemoglobin, and prolactin concentrations. Group I included 25 women with normal vitamin D status who were not receiving vitamin D supplementation. Group II consisted of 25 women with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency that was adequately corrected through supplementation, while group III included 25 women with untreated vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. All participants received metformin throughout the six-month study period. Female sexual function and depressive symptoms were assessed before and after metformin therapy using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), respectively. Additional outcome measures included plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR),…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 25 participants or records.
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