467 citations
,
October 2014 in “European Journal of Endocrinology” This paper reviews the diagnostic criteria, etiological factors, and treatment approaches for PCOS, highlighting the importance of considering metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and obesity, but reports no new findings.
1265 citations
,
October 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” This guideline from the Endocrine Society recommends using the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome and outlines first-line treatments, emphasizing hormonal contraceptives and lifestyle intervention.
75 citations
,
July 2013 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” This study found that combining low-dose spironolactone with metformin provided greater clinical benefits and improved treatment compliance in women with PCOS compared to either drug alone.
200 citations
,
October 2009 in “European journal of endocrinology” This review discusses the multifaceted actions of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome and reports no new clinical results; the authors emphasize metformin's potential benefits in both cardiometabolic and reproductive aspects of PCOS.
343 citations
,
December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews” This review discusses the various evidence-based and potential applications of metformin in treating and preventing symptoms and complications associated with polycystic ovary syndrome but reports no new clinical results.
121 citations
,
April 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Insulin sensitizers may slightly reduce hirsutism but are less effective than other treatments.
150 citations
,
February 2008 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” This study suggests that antiandrogens may slightly reduce hirsutism severity compared to placebo, but evidence is weak and their relative efficacy remains uncertain.
39 citations
,
August 2004 in “International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics” This study found that both finasteride and a regimen of cyproterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol effectively reduced hirsutism in women, with similar results despite differing hormonal effects.
47 citations
,
March 2004 in “European journal of endocrinology” This study found that the combination of spironolactone and finasteride significantly improved hirsutism scores more than spironolactone alone in women, with similar side-effect profiles between treatments.
192 citations
,
September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” This study suggests that metformin may be more effective than Dianette in treating moderate to severe hirsutism in women with PCOS, while also reducing markers of insulin resistance.
90 citations
,
August 2002 in “European journal of endocrinology” This study found that metformin treatment significantly improved hair growth in women with PCOS and hirsutism compared to a placebo.
142 citations
,
February 1985 in “Fertility and sterility” This study found that spironolactone reduced serum androstenedione and anagen hair shaft diameter in hirsute patients but did not significantly alter unbound testosterone levels, suggesting its effects are primarily peripheral.
