Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. In many cases this leads to hirsutism, for which a common treatment is combined anti-androgen and estrogen therapy (Dianette; Schering Ltd). The insulin sensitising agent metformin has been reported to reduce hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Dianette with metformin (Glucophage; Merck, 500mgs tds) in the ...

Background: Use of metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is becoming increasingly accepted and widespread but clinical practice is ahead of the evidence.Methods: We extracted results from the seven published studies of metformin use in PCOS that include control elements quantifiably similar to the experimental arm. We also restricted our analysis to the studies with a systematic longitudinal examination of ovulatory function and metabolic parameters....

Metformin treatment of women with PCOS has been shown to improve ovarian function, reduce hyperandrogenicity and induce weight loss. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the nature of the weight loss in obese women with PCOS, using 2 dose regimes.Methods: Obese (body mass index [BMI] > 29 kilograms /m2) women with PCOS (n = 44) were recruited to the study, and randomised to receive either 1500mg metformin daily (n = 22), or ...

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects between 5-10% of premenopausal women and is characterised by insulin resistance. PCOS also carries with it an increased lifetime risk of diabetes, hypertension and possibly coronary heart disease. The underlying mechanisms are unknown but we have proposed that metabolic insulin resistance may be associated with endothelial dysfunction, leading to increased vascular stiffness, abnormalities of fibrinolysis and increased platel...

Hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. The insulin sensitising agent metformin can reduce hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. Conventional treatment for hirsutism in such women is combined anti-androgen and estrogen (Dianette; Schering Ltd). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Dianette with metformin (Glucophage; Merck, 500mgs tds) in the treatment of hirsutism in women wit...