The effects of metformin therapy on hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia in women with hirsutism

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hormonal and clinical effects of metformin therapy in women with hirsutism. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. Twelve weeks of therapy with oral metformin (850 mg two times per day) is applied to twenty eight women with hirsutism. Levels of insulin, testosteron, DHEA-S, gonadotropins (FSH, LH), biochemical measures and clinical symptoms including Ferriman-Gallway scores and regularity of menstrual cycle were assessed before and after treatment with metformin. RESULTS: Metformin therapy resulted with a significant decrease in insulin and total testosteron levels. There was a significant decline in mean body mass index, hirsutism scores and improvement in the menstrual cycle. There was not a significant difference in LH levels and LH/FSH ratios. CONCLUSION: Metformin treatment of women with hirsutism resulted in a decline of insulin and total testosteron levels leading to a significant improvement in hirsutism.