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 investigated the effects of low-dose spironolactone combined with metformin versus either drug alone on insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conducted at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 189 participants were randomized into three groups: metformin, spironolactone, or a combination of both. After 12 weeks, the combination therapy significantly reduced the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) more than either monotherapy, with HOMA-IR values of 1.71 in the combined group compared to 1.92 and 2.38 in the metformin and spironolactone groups, respectively. Additionally, the combined therapy resulted in lower total testosterone, free androgen index, and area under the curve-insulin compared to the metformin group, indicating improved outcomes in insulin resistance and androgen levels with the combination treatment.
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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 3 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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