TLDR Metformin helps manage diabetes, PCOS, and weight in kids but needs more research for long-term safety.
The review article discussed the use of metformin in pediatric patients for conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and weight gain from atypical antipsychotic drugs. Metformin was effective in improving glycemic control in T2DM and T1DM, enhancing ovulation and reducing androgen levels in PCOS, and managing weight and adiposity in various pediatric conditions. However, its long-term efficacy and safety remained uncertain, necessitating further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods. Common side effects included gastrointestinal issues, but severe adverse events were rare. The only approved pediatric use at the time was for T2DM in adolescents, though the authors advocated for its approval in managing PCOS.
18 citations
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January 2009 in “Journal of Endocrinological Investigation” Flutamide works better than finasteride for hirsutism, and combining both is slightly better but not much.
343 citations
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December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews” Metformin helps with menstrual cycles and insulin levels in PCOS but is less effective for hair growth, diabetes prevention, and weight loss, and may improve fertility and reduce diabetes risk.
502 citations
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February 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Treat significant hirsutism with medication and hair removal; use birth control pills first, adding antiandrogens if needed.
4025 citations
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December 2003 in “Human Reproduction” The 2003 consensus updated PCOS diagnosis criteria and linked PCOS to higher risks of diabetes and heart problems, recommending lifestyle changes to lower these risks.
March 2023 in “East African scholars journal of medical sciences” Metformin may help regulate periods and cause modest weight loss in PCOS patients, but more research is needed.
20 citations
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August 2022 in “Frontiers in Immunology” Fibroblasts are important in healing diabetic wounds, but high sugar levels can harm their function and slow down the healing process.
3 citations
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August 2015 in “Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews” Married women with type 2 diabetes had a surprisingly low infertility rate, suggesting type 2 diabetes and PCOS may be different conditions.
34 citations
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January 2011 in “Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology” New treatments for PCOS show promise, but no current medication treats all aspects of the condition.
April 2019 in “Journal of the Endocrine Society” An over-the-counter vitamin/mineral supplement improved hair loss and blood sugar control in a woman with non-classic 11-hydroxylase deficiency.
1 citations
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February 2018 in “InTech eBooks” PCOS in lean women is a serious health condition with implications beyond fertility, affecting metabolism and increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
