Increased insulin sensitivity by metformin enhances intense-pulsed-light-assisted hair removal in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an insulin-resistant state with hirsutism as a common manifestation.


OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that treatment with metformin would improve the cosmetic effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for hair removal in PCOS patients.


METHODS
In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 70 PCOS patients randomly received metformin (1,500 mg daily) + IPL therapy or IPL therapy alone for 5 IPL sessions during a 6-month period, followed by an additional 6 months of observation. Hirsutism score, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), free androgen index (FAI) and patient satisfaction were evaluated at every visit.


RESULTS
Fifty-two patients finished the study. Hirsutism was significantly better controlled in the metformin group (p = 0.009). Patient satisfaction was significantly better in the metformin group at the end of the observation period (52.9 vs. 34.1%, p = 0.019). HOMA-IR and FAI scores improved after metformin + IPL treatment (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Adding metformin to IPL in women with PCOS results in a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and hirsutism.
Rezvanian
Hassan
H
Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan, Iran.
Adibi
Neda
N
Siavash
Mansour
M
Kachuei
Ali
A
Shojaee-Moradie
Fariba
F
Asilian
Ali
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods*; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008687:Metformin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010789:Phototherapy; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin