Effect of Metformin Therapy in Females Visiting Dermatologist for Acne Vulgaris Having Endocrine and Sonographic Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

    January 2013
    Mehta Ty, Shah, Goyal Rk
    TLDR Metformin improves acne, hair growth, and menstrual cycles in females with PCOS.
    The study investigated the effects of metformin on acne vulgaris and other hyperandrogenism symptoms in females with PCOS. Out of 33 participants, 25 met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS, and 17 completed a 3-month metformin therapy (1-1.5 g/day, with minoxidil 2% for severe androgenic alopecia). Results showed significant improvements in weight, waist to hip ratio, acne scores (from 2.37 ± 0.17 to 1.68 ± 0.19), hirsutism scores (from 14.3 ± 1.7 to 12.8 ± 1.8), androgenic alopecia (hair growth in 6 out of 13 subjects), and menstrual regularity (50% had regular cycles). Hormonal levels and ultrasonographic parameters also normalized. The study concluded that dermatologists should consider PCOS in patients with acne vulgaris and treat them with metformin.
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