Metformin: No. 1 treatment for polycystic ovaries

Article

Metformin is effective as first-line therapy in PCOS-induced anovulation, according to a recently published review and meta-analysis. The drug may also have the added benefit of improving the metabolic syndrome.

Researchers from Australia reviewed 13 trials that included a population of 543 women with polycystic ovary syndrome. They calculated that metformin is almost four times as effective at inducing ovulation as placebo, and that the combination of metformin and clomiphene is about 4.41 times as effective as clomiphene alone. In addition, metformin reduces fasting insulin concentrations, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the drug may cause nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal disturbances, and data regarding long-term safety and use in pregnancy are lacking.

Lord JM, Flight IH, Norman RJ. Metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2003;327:951-953.

Newsletter

Get the latest clinical updates, case studies, and expert commentary in obstetric and gynecologic care. Sign up now to stay informed.

Recent Videos
Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, highlights AMA's new breast cancer prevention guidelines | Image Credit: pcrm.org.
Zachary Wagner, PhD, discusses the harms of bias in reproductive care | Image Credit: ornsife.usc.edu.
Ciera Kirkpatrick, PhD, shows how TikTok is transforming cervical cancer awareness | Image Credit: linkedin.com.
Maria Gallo, PhD, discusses high attendance at crisis pregnancy centers | Image Credit: © x.com.
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.