Comparison of Clinical and Metabolic Effects of Metformin and Pioglitazone in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
January 2016
in “
Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism
”
TLDR Both metformin and pioglitazone improve PCOS symptoms, but pioglitazone is a good alternative for those who can't take metformin.
The study compared the clinical and metabolic effects of metformin and pioglitazone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through multiple studies. Both medications significantly improved insulin resistance and androgen levels. Metformin was effective in reducing hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenemia, systolic blood pressure, and facilitating normal menses and pregnancy. Pioglitazone showed benefits in insulin and androgen abnormalities, especially in obese patients, and improved lipid profiles. Combining these drugs with treatments like clomiphene citrate could enhance ovulation in clomiphene-resistant women. Both drugs were beneficial, but their effects varied based on individual patient characteristics.