The utility of metformin therapy in reproductive-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug commonly used to treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), has been increasingly used off-label for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects at least 5-10% of reproductive- age women. With very little risk associated with its use, metformin provides many important benefits to women with PCOS, including regulating menstrual cycles, improving clinical signs of hyperandrogenism, ameliorating metabolic syndrome, inducing ovulation, improving pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes, preventing gestational diabetes, and preventing progression to T2DM. Here, we review the indications for metformin in women with PCOS, with a focus on the use of metformin during pre-conception and pregnancy.
Nisha
N
Nathan
Department of Endocrinology, Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, NW, Suite 2A-72, Washington, DC 20010, USA. Shannon.d.sullivan@medstar.net.
Shannon D
SD
Sullivan
D000818:Animals; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077289:Letrozole; D008687:Metformin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009570:Nitriles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D014230:Triazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D009570:Nitriles; D014230:Triazoles; D002996:Clomiphene; D000077289:Letrozole; D008687:Metformin