PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, afflicts millions of women. Symptoms vary, but some of the more common ones include: infertility, hair loss and/or unwanted hair growth, obesity, insulin resistance and irregularity or absence of ovulation/menstruation. The Type 2 diabetes drug metformin is commonly used to treat PCOS because of the insulin resistance.
Significance
As many as 10 percent of women who are old enough to bear children suffer from PCOS, according to the WomensHealth.gov website. The implications of having the syndrome can be serious. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of acquiring diabetes, of experiencing low levels of HDL ("good") and high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, of having a stroke or heart disease, and contracting endometrial cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also the No. 1 cause of infertility. In addition to the increased health risks, women with PCOS often experience annoying and embarrassing symptoms, such as hirsutism.
Time Frame
Females may begin exhibiting symptoms of PCOS as early as puberty. The condition can then last until menopause.
Treatment
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the drug metformin (brand name Glucophage) for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Although not formally approved for this use, metformin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of PCOS symptoms, according to Womenshealth.gov. Metformin has achieved positive results in: helping resume regular ovulation, reducing insulin resistance in patients, slowing the growth of unwanted hair and helping some patients with weight loss.
Dosage
Improvement or elimination of symptoms is usually seen in clinical studies with metformin dosages ranging from 1,500 mg to 2,550 mg a day, notes the Infertilityspecialist.com website. Prescribed doses for patients range from 500 mg three times a day to 850 mg twice a day, which are effective in treating hyperinsulinemia. Four to six months on the drug regimen are generally required before menstruation starts again.
Warning
Be very cautious of taking metformin if you have PCOS and are pregnant. No studies have been performed to ensure that it is safe to take the drug while pregnant. However, there also is no evidence indicating that metformin poses a danger to the mother-to-be or that it leads to major birth defects, according to Womenshealth.gov.
