New Treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a common health condition that affects how the ovaries work. Two treatments, Metformin and Myoinositol, have been in the spotlight for helping women with PCOS, especially those struggling with weight and irregular menstrual cycles.
What the researchs say:
1. Study by Roshan Nazirudeen et al., 2023: This study, published in 'Clinical Endocrinology (Oxf)', aimed to compare the effects of metformin monotherapy versus a combination of metformin with myoinositol and d-chiro-inositol in PCOS. It was conducted over six months and included overweight and obese women aged between 18 and 35 years. They were randomized into two groups: one receiving metformin monotherapy and the other receiving a combination therapy. The study assessed various parameters including menstrual cycle duration, hormonal and metabolic profiles, and quality of life. The results indicated that menstrual cycle regularity and quality of life improved significantly in the group receiving myoinositol-based therapy, although there was no significant difference in other hormonal and metabolic parameters between the two groups.
2. Study by Pernille Ravn et al., 2022: In this study, published in 'Metabolites', myoinositol was compared with metformin regarding their effects on insulin resistance in women with PCOS. This open-label, six-month randomized controlled trial involved 45 women with PCOS, divided into two intervention groups: one receiving myoinositol and the other receiving metformin. The primary outcome measured was the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Secondary outcomes included fasting glucose, weight, cycle length, lipids, testosterone levels, adverse effects, quality of life, and depression scores. The study found no significant effect on metabolic outcomes during myoinositol treatment, but positive effects on fasting blood glucose, weight, and HDL cholesterol levels were observed during metformin treatment. The effects on cycle length were comparable between the two treatments, but adverse effects were less frequent with myoinositol.
What the researchs say:
1. Study by Roshan Nazirudeen et al., 2023: This study, published in 'Clinical Endocrinology (Oxf)', aimed to compare the effects of metformin monotherapy versus a combination of metformin with myoinositol and d-chiro-inositol in PCOS. It was conducted over six months and included overweight and obese women aged between 18 and 35 years. They were randomized into two groups: one receiving metformin monotherapy and the other receiving a combination therapy. The study assessed various parameters including menstrual cycle duration, hormonal and metabolic profiles, and quality of life. The results indicated that menstrual cycle regularity and quality of life improved significantly in the group receiving myoinositol-based therapy, although there was no significant difference in other hormonal and metabolic parameters between the two groups.
2. Study by Pernille Ravn et al., 2022: In this study, published in 'Metabolites', myoinositol was compared with metformin regarding their effects on insulin resistance in women with PCOS. This open-label, six-month randomized controlled trial involved 45 women with PCOS, divided into two intervention groups: one receiving myoinositol and the other receiving metformin. The primary outcome measured was the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Secondary outcomes included fasting glucose, weight, cycle length, lipids, testosterone levels, adverse effects, quality of life, and depression scores. The study found no significant effect on metabolic outcomes during myoinositol treatment, but positive effects on fasting blood glucose, weight, and HDL cholesterol levels were observed during metformin treatment. The effects on cycle length were comparable between the two treatments, but adverse effects were less frequent with myoinositol.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you have PCOS and are considering treatment options, these studies suggest that both Metformin and Myoinositol can be helpful, but in different ways. Metformin seems to be more effective in managing weight and blood sugar levels, while Myoinositol could be a gentler option with fewer side effects, especially for improving menstrual cycle regularity.
Remember, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan for you. They can help you understand these options and choose the one that fits your specific needs.
15 Dec 2023
