Metformin usage to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the use of MET in ovulation induction and pregnancy rates in a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials (RCT) that presented ovulation and gestation rates in women with PCOS, after administering CC or M et al. one or combined was performed. The studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria in PCOS patients, resistant to CC or not. Results: The meta-analysis demonstrated that MET and CC did not significantly increase the ovulation (Odds Ratio 1.72 [0.71, 4.12]) and gestation (OR 1.33 [0.88, 2.02]) rates when compared to the usage of CC itself in women not resistant to CC. However, in women with CC-resistant PCOS, the group treated with CC and MET presented higher rates of ovulation (Odds Ratio = 14.57 [4.96, 42.81]) and gestation (Odds Ratio = 11.86 [2.45, 57.36]) than patients treated only with CC. Conclusion: The combination of MET and CC did not show advantages over the administration of CC alone in women not resistant to CC. However, MET may show satisfactory results in women resistant to CC.