Metformin therapy improves the menstrual pattern with minimal endocrine and metabolic effects in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical, hormonal, and biochemical effects of 4-6 months of metformin therapy in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
The Gynecological Endocrine Unit of University Central Hospital, Oulu, Finland.


METHODS
Twenty obese patients with PCOS.


METHODS
Patients were treated with 0.5 g of metformin three times daily for 4-6 months.


METHODS
Clinical symptoms, menstrual pattern, and hirsutism, as well as serum concentrations of sex steroids, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), gonadotropins, and lipids were assessed during the treatment.


RESULTS
Eleven women (68.8% of the women with menstrual disturbances) experienced more regular cycles during therapy. No changes in hirsutism, body mass index, or blood pressure occurred. The mean testosterone level was decreased significantly after 2 months of treatment but returned to the starting level by 4-6 months. Free testosterone levels decreased significantly during the treatment. There was no significant change in the levels of other sex steroids or lipids measured at 4-6 months of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Metformin therapy is well tolerated by the majority of patients and may be clinically useful, especially in obese patients with PCOS and menstrual disturbances.
Morin-Papunen
L C
LC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Central Hospital of Oulu, Finland.
Koivunen
R M
RM
Ruokonen
A
A
Martikainen
H K
HK
D019326:17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008598:Menstruation / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D019326:17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D008687:Metformin