Hormonal
Long-term metformin therapy (up to 10 years) in overweight-obese women with PCOS and normal baseline glucose homeostasis results in significant initial weight loss, stabilization of body mass, improved menstrual frequency, and reduced androgen levels, with a very low conversion rate to diabetes.
For overweight or obese women with PCOS who have normal blood sugar, metformin (up to 2000mg/day) can help with weight loss, menstrual regularity, and lowering male hormones. The biggest weight loss happens in the first year, after which weight stabilizes. It is generally well-tolerated, but sticking with it long-term is hard because the initial excitement fades. Consistent use helps maintain these benefits and prevents diabetes.
Long-term metformin treatment of overweight-obese women with PCOS and normal baseline glycemic homeostasis resulted in reduction and stabilization of BM, improvements of MF and androgen profile and low conversion rate to diabetes.
Why this rating
Retrospective cohort study with long follow-up but high dropout rates and lack of a placebo control group.
Source
Long-term efficacy of metformin in overweight-obese PCOS: longitudinal follow-up of retrospective cohort
Mojca Jensterle et al. · Endocrine Connections · 2020
DOI 10.1530/ec-19-0449
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