TLDR Both finasteride and metformin effectively treat PCOS by reducing hormone levels and insulin resistance.
In a study conducted 8 years ago, 52 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were randomly assigned to receive finasteride, metformin, or a combination of both for 12 months. The study aimed to compare the effects of these treatments on hormone levels, insulin resistance, and hirsutism score. The results showed significant reductions in hirsutism score, free testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, HOMA-IR, AUC-insulin, and AUC-glucose within each group, while BMI and estradiol levels remained unchanged. No treatment modality was clearly superior to the others. The study concluded that both finasteride and metformin, alone or in combination, were effective and safe in treating women with PCOS, as they had beneficial effects on both hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance.
4 citations,
January 2017 in “Acta Endocrinologica” Finasteride and metformin both help treat PCOS, but using them together works best.
17 citations,
October 2012 in “Dermatologic clinics” Treating excessive hair in women requires a holistic approach, including medical, aesthetic, and emotional support.
7 citations,
August 2023 in “EClinicalMedicine” Anti-androgens can help manage some PCOS symptoms better than metformin but are not more effective than placebos or birth control pills for other symptoms.
169 citations,
August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology” Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
26 citations,
March 2014 in “Arquivos Brasileiros De Endocrinologia E Metabologia” The document concludes that proper diagnosis and combined treatments are key for hirsutism management, and weight loss may help overweight patients.
378 citations,
November 2011 in “Human reproduction update” Experts recommend using evidence-based methods to diagnose and treat hirsutism, focusing on symptoms and underlying causes.
