Therapeutic response to metformin in an underweight patient with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Metabolic and androgen profile in underweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder associated with insulin resistance and obesity. Aim of our study is to clarify the prevalence of underweight in PCOS patients and whether metabolic and androgen profiles of PCOS differ depending on normal or low body weight.

METHODS

Out of 1269 consecutive patients with PCOS recruited from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Duisburg-Essen, 19 patients (1.5%) were underweight and were compared to 375 lean PCOS subjects (29.6%). Clinical and endocrine parameters were evaluated. Insulin resistance was assessed by 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

RESULTS

Prevalence of type 2 diabetes and free androgen index did not differ between the two groups. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in the group of underweight patients. While no significant difference was found for the Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index at fasting state, the HOMA-M120, calculated 2 h after glucose intake in OGTT, was significantly higher in underweight patients. Underweight patients also showed significantly higher postprandial insulin secretion after glucose intake in OGTT. Six underweight PCOS patients received metformin treatment for oligomenorrhea. An improvement of the menstrual cycle was observed in three cases, while two patients were lost to follow up and one discontinued therapy due to side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of underweight in patients with PCOS is very low. Underweight in PCOS is associated with higher postprandial insulin levels. Several of our underweight patients were able to achieve regular menstrual cycle under metformin therapy.

Evidence-based and potential benefits of metformin in the polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive review

Metformin is an insulin sensitizer widely used for the treatment of patients affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus. Because many women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are insulin resistant, metformin was introduced in clinical practice to treat these patients also. Moreover, metformin's effect has other targets beside its insulin-sensitizing action. The present review was aimed at describing all evidence-based and potential uses of metformin in PCOS patients. In particular, we will analyze the uses of metformin not only for the treatment of all PCOS-related disturbances such as menstrual disorders, anovulatory infertility, increased abortion, or complicated pregnancy risk, hyperandrogenism, endometrial, metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities, but also for the prevention of the syndrome.