Use of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To review the use of the insulin-sensitizing agent metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DATA SOURCES

Biomedical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1996-March 2001) and the Iowa Drug Information Service. Key terms included metformin and polycystic ovary syndrome.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A number of small clinical studies have examined the use of metformin in the treatment of PCOS. Women treated with metformin demonstrated normalization of endocrine function with minimal adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin can be beneficial in normalizing menstrual irregularities and stimulating ovulation in previously anovulatory women. Metformin therapy is well tolerated by the majority of patients and should be considered for use in women with PCOS.