BMJ  2003;327:951 (25 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7421.951

Paper

Metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

¹ Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peninsula Medical School, South West Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH, ² Consumer Science Program, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health Sciences and Nutrition, PO Box 10041, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia, ³ Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville Road, Woodville, SA 5005, Australia

Objective To assess the effectiveness of metformin in improving clinical and biochemical features of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Design Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources Randomised controlled trials that investigated the effect of metformin compared with either placebo or no treatment, or compared with an ovulation induction agent.

Selection of studies 13 trials were included for analysis, including 543 women with polycystic ovary syndrome that was defined by using biochemical or ultrasound evidence.

Main outcome measure Pregnancy and ovulation rates. Secondary outcomes of clinical and biochemical features of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Results Meta-analysis showed that metformin is effective in achieving ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, with odds ratios of 3.88 (95% confidence interval 2.25 to 6.69) for metformin compared with placebo and 4.41 (2.37 to 8.22) for metformin and clomifene compared with clomifene alone. An analysis of pregnancy rates shows a significant treatment effect for metformin and clomifene (odds ratio 4.40, 1.96 to 9.85). Metformin has an effect in reducing fasting insulin concentrations, blood pressure, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. We found no evidence of any effect on body mass index or waist:hip ratio. Metformin was associated with a higher incidence of nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal disturbance.

Conclusions Metformin is an effective treatment for anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Its choice as a first line agent seems justified, and there is some evidence of benefit on variables of the metabolic syndrome. No data are available regarding the safety of metformin in long term use in young women and only limited data on its safety in early pregnancy. It should be used as an adjuvant to general lifestyle improvements and not as a replacement for increased exercise and improved diet.

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