title: Increased insulin sensitivity by metformin enhances intense-pulsed-light-assisted hair removal in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rezvanian
authors.forename: Neda
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Adibi
authors.forename: Mansour
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Siavash
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kachuei
authors.forename: Fariba
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shojaee-Moradie
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Asilian
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin