Effect of 7‐Day Whey Protein Supplementation on Steroid Hormones and SHBG in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in women of child‐bearing age and is associated with obesity, infertility, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenemia. Sex‐hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is suppressed as a result of hyperinsulinemia leading to an increase in free testosterone levels commonly observed in PCOS women. High levels of free testosterone contributes to hirsutism, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles in this population resulting in the need for interventions aimed at increasing SHBG concentration in PCOS women. Subsequently, estradiol and progesterone levels suffer in this population resulting in irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Current treatments for PCOS target symptoms of the disease but not the underlying mechanisms, and typically are associated with adverse side effects. Nutritional interventions, therefore, that can ameliorate PCOS‐related issues are warranted. Whey protein has recently been shown to have improved glycemic homeostasis, reduced chronic inflammation and enhanced protein anabolism effects in people with or without insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in SHBG and free testosterone concentrations following 7 days of whey protein supplementation and to examine differences in baseline measurements of progesterone and estradiol between PCOS women and healthy controls (CON). Women with PCOS and CON consumed 35g of whey protein for 7 days. Baseline and Day 7 concentrations were measured via plasma and serum collection. Progesterone and estradiol concentrations were measured at baseline only whereas free testosterone and SHBG concentrations were measured at baseline and Day 7. Protocols used in this study were approved by the TWU Institutional Review Broad (IRB). Initial analyses indicate progesterone levels were lower in the PCOS group compared to CON. Currently, no other statistical differences are reported at baseline nor over time in any other variable. Additional analyses are currently being conducted. Seven days whey protein supplementation is not a viable intervention to increase fertility in PCOS women by enabling changes in steroid hormone and globulin binding concentrations. Future studies will include a prolonged intervention period to establish potential changes in the aforementioned hormones following chronic whey protein supplementation.Support or Funding InformationGlanbia Nutritionals, Inc., TWU Research Enhancement Program, TWU Human Nutrition Research funds