title: Should patients with polycystic ovary syndrome be treated with metformin? Benefits of insulin sensitizing drugs in polycystic ovary syndrome--beyond ovulation induction.
abstract: The debate on metformin use in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has mainly focused on its treatment for infertility in ovulation induction and menstrual cyclicity. Here we will summarize the data supporting the effect of metformin on improving hyperandrogenaemia and hyperinsulinaemia in PCOS patients. We propose that metformin benefits PCOS patients undergoing gonadotrophin therapy and IVF as well as ovulation induction. We also advocate the use of insulin sensitizing drugs to reduce miscarriage rates, and risks associated with coronary artery disease, gestational diabetes and obesity.
authors.affiliation: The Howard and Georgeanna Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, 601 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA. stadtmla@evms.edu
authors.forename: Laurel A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Stadtmauer
authors.forename: Benjamin C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oehninger
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D020738:Leptin / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / Q000097:blood; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D006062:Gonadotropins; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D020738:Leptin; D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1; D008687:Metformin