Treatment of PCOS with metformin and other insulin-sensitizing agents.
A significant proportion of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) suffer from insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia. Growing evidence indicates that elevated serum insulin induces hyperandrogenism, which in turn leads to anovulation and infertility. Hyperinsulinemia also contributes to the increased risk for cardiovascular disorders and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These concepts provide a rationale for therapies focused on treatments of insulin resistance. Metformin is the most extensively studied insulin-sensitizing agent for the treatment of women with PCOS. Use of metformin leads to a decrease in serum insulin and androgen levels, as well as an improvement in ovulatory function. Other insulin-sensitizing agents studied in women with PCOS include troglitazone, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and D-chiro-inositol.
Seli
Emre
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA. emre.seli@yale.edu
Duleba
Antoni J
AJ
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007295:Inositol Phosphates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007295:Inositol Phosphates; D011134:Polysaccharides; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; C028039:inositol phosphate glycan; D008687:Metformin