Evidence Hub

Investigating the Insulin Sensitizing Effects of Metformin and Myo-Inositol in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Nadine Abou-Seido, Manaal Yaqub, A. Desouza

Journal, 2023

60 participants · 2 citations

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic dysregulation. Insulin resistance (IR) is a common hallmark of PCOS and contributes to metabolic dysfunction. A combination of lifestyle changes and symptom management treatments can help manage the condition. Metformin and myo-inositol (MI) have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce excess androgen levels in women with PCOS, but there is a lack of research on the effects of combinatory therapy of MI and metformin. This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that a combination of MI and metformin will result in improved insulin sensitivity and clinical outcomes of PCOS. Methods: The study is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial examining 60 women diagnosed with PCOS that demonstrate the presence of IR. Participants are randomized to one of the following treatments over a six-month period: metformin (MET), inositol (INO), combined metformin and inositol (MET-INO) or placebo-control (CON). BMI, LH:FSH ratio, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were assessed at day 0, day 84 and day 168. Anticipated Results: It is anticipated that the MET-INO group will have the most profound effects following intervention, with a decrease in BMI by 3-4%, a decrease in LH:FSH ratio by 30-40%, and a decrease in HOMA-IR by 1-1.5. MET group is expected to have a significant decrease in BMI by 2-3%,…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free