• L C Morin-Papunen, R M Koivunen, A Ruokonen, and H K Martikainen.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Central Hospital of Oulu, Finland.
• Fertil. Steril. 1998 Apr 1; 69 (4): 691-6.

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical, hormonal, and biochemical effects of 4-6 months of metformin therapy in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).DesignProspective study.SettingThe Gynecological Endocrine Unit of University Central Hospital, Oulu, Finland.Patient(S)Twenty obese patients with PCOS.Intervention(S)Patients were treated with 0.5 g of metformin three times daily for 4-6 months.Main Outcome Measure(S)Clinical symptoms, menstrual pattern, and hirsutism, as well as serum concentrations of sex steroids, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), gonadotropins, and lipids were assessed during the treatment.Result(S)Eleven women (68.8% of the women with menstrual disturbances) experienced more regular cycles during therapy. No changes in hirsutism, body mass index, or blood pressure occurred. The mean testosterone level was decreased significantly after 2 months of treatment but returned to the starting level by 4-6 months. Free testosterone levels decreased significantly during the treatment. There was no significant change in the levels of other sex steroids or lipids measured at 4-6 months of treatment.Conclusion(S)Metformin therapy is well tolerated by the majority of patients and may be clinically useful, especially in obese patients with PCOS and menstrual disturbances.

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