Weight-Loss and Metformin-Use Improve the Reversal Rate in Patients with Endometrial Hyperplasia

Int J Womens Health. 2024 Nov 1:16:1815-1828. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S477045. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic outcomes of weight loss and metformin use in patients with endometrial hyperplasia (EH), and to identify the factors influencing treatment efficacy.

Methods: This study included data from patients diagnosed with either EH or endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH). Patients selected a progestin treatment regimen based on their diagnosis. Those with concurrent obesity or insulin resistance received additional weight management support and metformin therapy. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3-6 months.

Results: A total of 202 patients were included. The metformin group exhibited significantly greater improvement in abnormal uterine bleeding (91.5% vs 57.1%, p < 0.001) and in ultrasound findings (91.5% vs 66.7%, p < 0.001) than the non-metformin group. Patients who achieved >3% weight loss and those using metformin showed a significantly higher rate of disease reversal than those with ≤3% weight loss (91.2% vs 77.6%, p = 0.034) and the non-metformin group (93.2% vs 52.4%, p < 0.001). At follow-up durations exceeding 12 months, metformin use was associated with a significantly higher disease reversal rate (82.1% vs 42.9%, p = 0.048) and a lower recurrence rate (12.8% vs 28.6%, p = 0.048). Weight loss of >3% (odds ratio: 0.041, 95% confidence interval: 0.004-0.437, p = 0.008) and metformin use (odds ratio: 0.059, 95% confidence interval: 0.011-0.311, p = 0.001) were both independently associated with improved reversal rates in patients with EH/EAH.

Conclusion: Combining progestin therapy with weight loss and metformin is more effective in reversing EH than progestin alone. Regular metformin use, alongside weight loss, serves as a protective factor in EH management, with the protective effect of metformin increasing with longer use.

Keywords: comprehensive management; endometrial hyperplasia without atypia; metformin; weight management.

Grants and funding

The present study was supported by National Key Technology Research and Developmental Program of China (Program Nos. 2022YFC2704400 and 2022YFC2704402), the New sharp Tianjin young medical (TJSQNYXXR-D2-078), National Natural Science Foundation of China (82171629), Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (23JCYBJC00720), Tianjin Key Medical Discipline (Specialty) Construction Project (TJYXZDXK-031A), and Tianjin Science and Technology Planning Project (21JCYBJC01080). The funding source played no role in the design, analysis, interpretation, or drafting of the manuscript.