Objectives: Combined oral contraceptives are used for the management of hyperandrogenism and menstrual abnormalities in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There is a dearth of literature addressing the effect of ethinyl estradiol/norethisterone acetate (EE/NETA) on gingival and systemic inflammation in these patients. This randomized trial aimed to evaluate the effect of EE/NETA with and without scaling on periodontium and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in women with PCOS having gingivitis.
Method and materials: Women having PCOS along with gingivitis were randomly divided into two groups: test group (n = 30) received EE/NETA + scaling with oral hygiene instructions, and control group 1 (n = 30) received EE/NETA with oral hygiene instructions. Another control group (control group 2, n = 30) consisting of systemically healthy females having gingivitis and who were age- and BMI-matched with the test group participants received scaling along with oral hygiene instructions. Periodontal and anthropometric parameters were measured at baseline, and 3 months and 6 months follow-up. Serum hsCRP levels were also estimated.
Results: Serum hsCRP levels and periodontal parameters were significantly decreased in all the groups after 6 months (P ≤ .05). The decrease in hsCRP levels was similar among the groups (P > .05). Significantly more reduction in gingival inflammation was observed in the test group compared to control group 1 (P ≤ .05).
Conclusion: EE/NETA used alone and with scaling showed no detrimental effect on gingiva and could reduce systemic and gingival inflammation in women with PCOS having gingivitis.