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Metformin (Glucophage) for polycystic ovary syndrome
Metformin lowers insulin, androgen, and cholesterol levels. It also improves metabolism in women who are insulin-resistant.
- Metformin may be useful in restoring regular menstrual cycles and starting ovulation in about 45% of women with PCOS.2
- Clomiphene (Clomid) and metformin may be more effective when they are taken together. But more research is needed to confirm if this is true.
- Some studies show that taking metformin has helped with in vitro fertilization (IVF). But other research did not support this.
- Metformin may lower the risk of miscarriage or gestational diabetes in women with PCOS, but this has not yet been confirmed by research. Metformin is probably safe to take while you are pregnant. But because metformin is only FDA-approved for the treatment of diabetes, you should talk with your doctor about the use of this medicine for reducing your risk for miscarriage or treating PCOS symptoms.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 28, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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