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Evidence-Based and Potential Benefits of Metformin in the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (S.P., A.F., F.Z.), University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; and Endocrinology (F.O.), University "Parthenope" of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy

Correspondence: Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Stefano Palomba, M.D., Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Via Pio X, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy. E-mail: stefanopalomba{at}tin.it

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.

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				M. A. Edson, A. K. Nagaraja, and M. M. Matzuk The Mammalian Ovary from Genesis to Revelation Endocr. Rev., October 1, 2009; 30(6): 624 - 712. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]