Lack of effect of short-term diazoxide administration on luteinizing hormone secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To test the hypothesis that an acute reduction in circulating insulin affects LH secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design: Prospective study in normal and PCOS women. Setting: General Clinic Research Centers at the University of Virginia, the Medical College of Virginia and the Massachusetts General Hospital. Patient(s): Six normal women and five women with PCOS. Intervention(s): Administration of diazoxide to lower circulating insulin concentrations. Main Outcome Measure(s): Characteristics of LH secretion as appraised by multiparameter deconvolution and estimation of approximate entropy. Result(s): Short-term administration of diazoxide had no effect on the secretion of LH in women with PCOS. Conclusion(s): Hyperinsulinemia resulting from insulin resistance in women with PCOS may not have a direct effect on gonadotropin secretion.