Abstract
Metformin is an insulin sensitizer widely used for the treatment of patients affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are insulin resistant, metformin was introduced in clinical practice to treat these patients also. Moreover, metformin's effect has other targets beside its insulin-sensitizing action. The present review was aimed at describing all evidence-based and potential uses of metformin in PCOS patients. In particular, we will analyze the uses of metformin not only for the treatment of all PCOS-related disturbances such as menstrual disorders, anovulatory infertility, increased abortion, or complicated pregnancy risk, hyperandrogenism, endometrial, metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities, but also for the prevention of the syndrome.
MeSH terms
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Anovulation / drug therapy
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Anovulation / etiology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
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Endometrial Neoplasms / etiology
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Endometrial Neoplasms / prevention & control
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Endometrium / drug effects
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Evidence-Based Medicine
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Female
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Humans
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Hyperandrogenism / drug therapy
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Hyperandrogenism / etiology
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Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
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Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Menstruation Disturbances / drug therapy
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Menstruation Disturbances / etiology
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Metformin / pharmacology
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Metformin / therapeutic use*
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Obesity / etiology
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / prevention & control
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Complications / etiology
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Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control
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Quality of Life
Substances
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Hypoglycemic Agents
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Metformin