Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of combined therapy with metformin and low-dose spironolactone as compared with metformin alone on the clinical and endocrine-metabolic alterations of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Background PCOS is the most common endocrinological disorder in reproductive-age women. Thus, at least theoretically, metformin plus spironolactone therapy may be an effective and safe combination for PCOS. Patients and methods A prospective randomized comparative study was carried out on 48 patients with the PCOS in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Menoufia University Hospital, and Al-Shohadaa Hospital, Egypt, from the period of May 2016 till January 2018. Detailed history, laboratory investigations, obstetric examination, and follow-up were done. Results Mean hirsutism score and BMI (kg/m2) were 10.8 ± 3.9 and 26.8 ± 2.2, respectively, before treatment, which decreased significantly to 7.6 ± 2.4 and 22.10 ± 1.92, respectively, after 6 months of treatment. Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment as compared with before treatment among women who received metformin + hypocaloric diet and received metformin + spironolactone + hypocaloric diet before treatment. Free testosterone was decreased in group B (58.2 ± 9.1) more than group A (73.6 ± 12. 9). Conclusion The results confirm the beneficial effects of metformin in patients with PCOS. It also proves that the addition of low-dose spironolactone induces a more marked reduction of clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism in patients with PCOS present with hyperandrogenic conditions.
Subject Area
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Article Type
Original Study
Recommended Citation
El Halaby, Alaa Eldeen F.; Ellakwa, Hamed E.; Abd Elaal, Nasser K.; and Maklad, Shaza S.
(2020)
"Effects of metformin alone and in combination with spironolactone on hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome,"
Menoufia Medical Journal: Vol. 33:
Iss.
2, Article 18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/mmj.mmj_61_19