Use of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To review the use of the insulin-sensitizing agent metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Biomedical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1996-March 2001) and the Iowa Drug Information Service. Key terms included metformin and polycystic ovary syndrome.


RESULTS
A number of small clinical studies have examined the use of metformin in the treatment of PCOS. Women treated with metformin demonstrated normalization of endocrine function with minimal adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Metformin can be beneficial in normalizing menstrual irregularities and stimulating ovulation in previously anovulatory women. Metformin therapy is well tolerated by the majority of patients and should be considered for use in women with PCOS.
De Sloover Koch
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Division of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Ernst
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D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000188:drug therapy; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin