Therapeutic response to metformin in an underweight patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case where insulin sensitization restored menses in an underweight woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Tertiary care center.


METHODS
A 19-year-old woman with a body mass index of 16.9 kg/m(2), severe hirsutism, and oligomenorrhea.


METHODS
Insulin sensitization with metformin.


METHODS
Impact of metformin therapy on menstrual cycle and serum T and fasting insulin levels.


RESULTS
Metformin, without weight loss or increased physical activity, resulted in restoration of menstrual cycle, reduction in serum T, and improvement in insulin resistance (IR).


CONCLUSIONS
This case highlights the contribution of PCOS-related IR, distinct from visceral adiposity, and demonstrates the effectiveness of pharmacological insulin-sensitization independent of weight loss or lifestyle adjustments.
Al-Ozairi
Ebaa
E
Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Quinton
Richard
R
Advani
Andrew
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005326:Fetal Proteins; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D013851:Thinness / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000098908:Brachyury Protein
D005326:Fetal Proteins; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D008687:Metformin; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins; D000098908:Brachyury Protein