Research has shown that women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have an
increased level of testosterone inside the ovary. This increased testosterone level
interferes with the ripening of egg follicles and thus with ovulation. It has been
discovered that this increased testosterone is linked to insulin resistance and elevated
insulin levels. Also, many women with PCOS have strong family histories of diabetes,
and many become diabetic themselves with pregnancy, with increasing age, or weight
gain. A drug called metformin (Glucophage®) helps to decrease elevated testosterone
levels, to decrease insulin resistance, and to improve the ability to ovulate.
Metformin has the following potential benefits:
Enhances the body’s ability to use insulin
Inhibits glucose production from the liver
Exerts potential favorable effects on blood lipids
Reduces circulating androgens
Aids in ability to lose weight
Can provide an overall improvement in well-being and energy level
Other things that can help lower insulin levels (specifically, a balanced diet with
moderate carbohydrates, weight loss, and especially exercise) should also be part of
the program of a woman with PCOS. You should exercise, at a minimum, by walking 30
minutes or 2 miles 5 days a week. Before you start on metformin, you should meet with
our dietician and review a good diet plan for you. It will be a moderate carbohydrate
diet, usually also with fewer calories to encourage weight loss.
Weight loss, even by as little as 10-20 pounds, can also be very helpful.
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