The role of metformin in the treatment of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility and is conventionally treated with clomifene. Recent research shows that insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia lead to hyperandrogenism in PCOS. It is thought that this causes anovulation and infertility and is the rationale for the use of insulin‐sensitising drugs such as metformin. This article explores the role of metformin, which is being increasingly used as first‐line therapy to treat infertility with PCOS and potentially avoids the risks of multiple pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation associated with clomifene.