Metformin versus lifestyle changes in treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of metformin with that of lifestyle changes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


METHODS
Prospective, randomized clinical trial of 40 women with PCOS to analyze the effects of metformin and lifestyle intervention treatments on menstrual pattern and hormone and metabolic profile. The duration of treatment was 6 months. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test.


RESULTS
Fifteen women in the metformin group and 12 in the lifestyle changes group completed the study. The menstrual pattern improved by ~67% in both groups. There was a significant decrease in waist circumference in the lifestyle changes group (101.8 ± 3.9 and 95.1 ± 3.6, at baseline and at 6 months of treatment, respectively; p < 0.001) and in body mass index (BMI) in both groups. The predictor of menstrual pattern improvement was BMI.


CONCLUSIONS
Both metformin and lifestyle changes may increase the number of menstrual cycles in PCOS. This effect was related to a decrease in BMI.
Department of Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Daniella D G
DD
Curi
Angela Maggio
AM
Fonseca
José Antônio M
JA
Marcondes
José Alcione M
JA
Almeida
Vicente R
VR
Bagnoli
José Maria
JM
Soares
Edmund Chada
EC
Baracat
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D055105:Waist Circumference
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D013739:Testosterone; D008687:Metformin