Role of Metformin in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The study conducted between October 2004 and October 2006 at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, involved 35 patients with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who were treated with Metformin at a dose of 850 mg twice a day. The mean age of the participants was 27 years. After two years, 20% of the patients with primary or secondary infertility conceived, menstrual irregularities improved in some patients, and polycystic ovaries resolved in 42.8% of the cases as per Transvaginal scan. Biochemical improvements were observed in the ratios of Leutinizing Hormone to Follicle Stimulating Hormone (LH:FSH), Serum Testosterone, and other measures, but there was no significant improvement in clinical signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism such as hirsutism, acne, and hair loss. The conclusion of the study was that Metformin is effective in improving menstrual irregularities and certain biochemical parameters in PCOS patients, but not the clinical signs of hyperandrogenism.