Effects of Low-Dose Spironolactone Combined with Metformin or Either Drug Alone on Insulin Resistance in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study

    March 2022 in “ International Journal of Endocrinology ”
    Tao Long, Ying Zhang, Chun‐Ping Zeng, Siyuan Zheng, Lin Zhou, Haiyan Liu
    TLDR Combining spironolactone with metformin reduces insulin resistance in PCOS better than either drug alone.
    This pilot study examined the effects of low-dose spironolactone combined with metformin, compared to each drug alone, on insulin resistance in 158 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Participants were divided into three groups: metformin, spironolactone, and combination therapy. After 12 weeks, the combination therapy was more effective in reducing insulin resistance, as indicated by greater reductions in HOMA-IR, total testosterone, and free androgen index, compared to either drug alone. The study concluded that the combined use of spironolactone and metformin improved insulin resistance and related metabolic and hormonal profiles in PCOS patients more effectively than monotherapy. No significant changes in hirsutism scores were observed, and the safety profile was similar across all groups. Further research was suggested due to study limitations such as short follow-up duration.
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      community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

      in Female  55 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

      community Year on oral minoxidil (1.75mg)

      in Update  6 upvotes 5 months ago
      The user experienced initial shedding but saw regrowth after seven months using oral minoxidil (1.75mg) and a dandruff shampoo. They plan to try Spironolactone and possibly metformin for PCOS-related hair issues.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  450 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

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