Metformin and Other Insulin Sensitizers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Bala Bhagavath; Wendy Vitek; John Queenan; Kathleen Hoeger

doi:10.1055/s-0034-1375186

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, Table of Contents

Semin Reprod Med 2014; 32(04): 323-330
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1375186

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Metformin and Other Insulin Sensitizers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Bala Bhagavath

¹Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York

,

Wendy Vitek

¹Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York

,

John Queenan

¹Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York

,

Kathleen Hoeger

¹Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder affecting a substantial group of women from adolescent to menopausal age groups. A substantial subgroup of these women exhibits increased insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is difficult to establish in clinical practice and many surrogate tests are available, although their value in the clinical setting is uncertain. The QUICKI method is an inexpensive and easy test to administer and is probably the best test to be used in PCOS patients, preferably in a clinical trial context. There is considerable evidence that insulin-sensitizing agents are not contributory to infertility management in the majority of women with PCOS. Currently, there is no evidence that cardiovascular morbidity is decreased by long-term use of insulin sensitizers in PCOS women.

Keywords

PCOS - insulin sensitizers - treatment - infertility

Full Text

References

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