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Clinical effects of metformin in patients with polcystic ovarian syndrome

Galindo CG, Hernández I, Ayala AR

Ginecologia y obstetricia de Mexico, 2007

10 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To verify the medical effects of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

METHOD: 10 women with polycystic ovary syndrome were including in this prospective clinical study. After a baseline workup, body mass index (BMI) and waist hip index (WHI) were measured; the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome was achieved with the following basal clinical studies: vaginal ultrasound, prolactin, thyroid profile, glucose, insulin, testosterone, androstenedione, 17-hidroxiprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol. The diagnosis of insulin resistance was achieved by model homeostasis assessment and the relationship glucose/insulin. Patients were given 500 mg of metformin twice a day for 3 months and reevaluated.

RESULTS: 8 of 10 patients who completed treatment, showed significant improvement in insulin resistance (only by homeostasis model); there were decrease in hirsutism (mean of 35.07%), without improve menstrual cyclicity, although we achieved at least one menstruation in 42.85% in cases with amenorrhea after 2 or 3 months of treatment. There were no changes in weight, BMI neither in ovarian volume and number of follicles.

CONCLUSION: A 3 month course of metformin therapy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome did not improve menstrual cyclicity, albeit significant decrease in insulin, insulin resistance and hirsutism was obtained.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, 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: 10 participants or records.

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