Metformin, naltrexone, or the combination of prednisolone and antiandrogenic oral contraceptives as first-line therapy in hyperinsulinemic women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Fertil Steril. 2010 Nov;94(6):2385-8. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.02.041. Epub 2010 Mar 31.

Abstract

To compare the short-term effects of metformin (M), naltrexone (N), and a combination of OC and prednisolone (OC/Pr) on the metabolic state and the ovarian function of PCOS women, we randomized 29 women to a 3-month course of therapy. We observed significant improvements in hyperandrogenemia and ovulation rates in PCOS women of all three groups, in the absence of changes in the metabolic state, suggesting that insulin resistance in PCOS patients is only one of several factors leading to hyperandrogenemic ovarian failure.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Androgen Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Contraceptives, Oral / administration & dosage*
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hyperinsulinism / blood
  • Hyperinsulinism / complications
  • Hyperinsulinism / drug therapy*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Metformin / administration & dosage*
  • Metformin / adverse effects
  • Naltrexone / administration & dosage*
  • Naltrexone / adverse effects
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / blood
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / complications
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage*
  • Prednisolone / adverse effects
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Naltrexone
  • Metformin
  • Prednisolone