CONTEXT

To improve the treatment outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), various drugs like glitazones, oral contraceptive pills, or antiandrogens have been combined with metformin.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of the combination of low-dose spironolactone and metformin with either drug alone in the management of women with PCOS.

DESIGN AND SETTING

The present study was an open-label, randomized study conducted at a tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION

Of 204 women who met the 2006 Androgen Excess-PCOS criteria for PCOS, 198 were randomized into 3 equal groups to receive metformin (1000 mg/d), low-dose spironolactone (50 mg/d), or a combination of both drugs for a period of 6 months. A total of 169 subjects (n = 56 metformin, 51 spironolactone, 62 combination) completed the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Menstrual cycle pattern, Ferriman-Gallwey score, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, LH, FSH, total T, glucose and insulin sensitivity indices were measured at baseline (0 mo) and 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Recording of adverse events and drug compliance was assessed at each of the visits.

RESULTS

The 3 groups had comparable mean age and BMI at baseline. By 6 months, menstrual cycles/y increased, whereas Ferriman-Gallwey score, serum total T, and area under the curve-glucose and -insulin decreased significantly (P < .05) in the combination group as compared to either drug alone. There was no significant change in body weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio, and blood pressure in any of the 3 groups. The combination group had better compliance than either drug alone, and the adverse event rate was not higher.

CONCLUSION

The combination of low-dose spironolactone with metformin seems superior to either drug alone in terms of clinical benefits and compliance in women with PCOS.