Metformin vs myoinositol: which is better in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patients? A randomized controlled crossover study

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2017 May;86(5):725-730. doi: 10.1111/cen.13304. Epub 2017 Feb 10.

Abstract

Context: Due to the central role of metabolic abnormalities in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin sensitizing agents have been proposed as a feasible treatment option.

Objective: To investigate which is the more effective between metformin and myoinositol (MYO) on hormonal, clinical and metabolic parameters in obese patients with PCOS.

Study design: Crossover randomized controlled study.

Patients: Thirty-four PCOS obese women (age: 25·62 ± 4·7 years; BMI: 32·55 ± 5·67 kg/m2 ) were randomized to receive metformin (850 mg twice a day) or MYO (1000 mg twice a day) for 6 months. After a 3 month washout, the same subjects received the other compound for the following 6 months.

Measurements: Ultrasonographic pelvic examinations, hirsutism score, anthropometric and menstrual pattern evaluation, hormonal profile assays, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and lipid profile at baseline and after 6 months of treatment were performed.

Results: Both metformin and MYO significantly reduced the insulin response to OGTT and improved insulin sensitivity. Metformin significantly decreased body weight and improved menstrual pattern and Ferriman-Gallwey score. Metformin treatment was also associated with a significant decrease in LH and oestradiol levels, androgens and anti-müllerian hormone levels. None of these clinical and hormonal changes were observed during MYO administration.

Conclusions: Both treatments improved the glyco-insulinaemic features of obese PCOS patients, but only metformin seems to exert a beneficial effect on the endocrine and clinical features of the syndrome.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Inositol / administration & dosage
  • Inositol / pharmacology*
  • Metformin / administration & dosage
  • Metformin / pharmacology*
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Inositol
  • Metformin