The impact of metformin therapy on patients with polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of ovarian dysfunction that affects 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. It is a heterogenic condition of unexplained aetiology. It may stem from hypothalamic-pituitary abnormality, ovarian abnormality, or from adrenal abnormality. It may also originates from excess of fat tissues combined with hyperinsulinemia, genetic abnormality, or from enzymatic dysregulation specifically P450c17.The hallmarks of PCOS are menstrual cycle irregularities, androgen excess, infertility, and family history. In addition, many women with PCOS are obese, and exhibit symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, such as increased hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Most women also exhibit elevated luteinizing hormone/follicular-stimulating hormone ratios but normal levels of estradiol and hyperandrogenism.