title: Effects of short-term and long-term metformin treatment on menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the frequency of menstrual cyclicity between two groups of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: women who were followed while on metformin for 3-6 months and those who were followed for >6 months. The results showed that metformin is highly effective in normalizing menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (the overall response rate was 69%, with 88% of responders achieving normal cyclicity), especially with a treatment duration of 6 months or longer (the response rate was 40% higher for women who were treated with metformin for >6 months vs. 3-6 months, 77% vs. 55%).
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0111, USA.
authors.forename: Paulina A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Essah
authors.forename: Teimuraz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Apridonidze
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Iuorno
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Nestler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014930:Women
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin