Effects of metformin on insulin resistance, androgen concentration, ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome following laparoscopic ovarian drilling.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of metformin on insulin resistance, androgen concentration, ovulation rates and pregnancy rates in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Forty-two infertile women with PCOS were selected in this randomized clinical study. Basal steroid and gonadotropin levels were measured, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The patients were randomly divided into group 1 (n = 21) and group 2 (n = 21). Group 1 patients were treated with laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). Group 2 patients underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) and received 1700 mg per day of metformin for 6 months. LOD was performed in women with PCOS using a unipolar electrode. Serum progesterone (P) level > 5 ng/mL was considered as a confirmation of ovulation. Ovulation and pregnancy rates were determined after six cycles.

Results: Serum androgens and insulin response to OGTT decreased significantly after metformin therapy. Mean serum P levels and endometrial thickness were significantly higher in cycles treated with metformin plus LOD (34.6 +/- 25.4 ng/mL, 8.4 +/- 1.1 mm) than in those treated with LOD alone (26.2 +/- 24.7 ng/mL, 7.9 +/- 2.8 mm) (P < 0.05). The ovulation (56 of 65 cycles, 86.1% vs 29 of 65 cycles, 44.6%) and pregnancy rates (nine of 21 women, 47.6% vs four of 21 women, 19.1%) were significantly higher in group 2 than in group I.

Conclusions: Metformin improves insulin resistance, reduces androgen levels and significantly increases the ovulation and pregnancy rates in infertile women, following LOD.