Influence of metformin on glycolipid metabolism in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective To investigate the influence of metformin on glycolipid metabolism and sex hormone in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods 98 patients with PCOS were randomly divided into two groups, with 49 cases in each group. The control group were treated with clomifene, while the observation group were treated with clomifene combined metformin. The endometrial thickness and ovarian volume were observed in two groups before and after treatment. The changes of glycolipid metabolism and sex hormone indexes in two groups were analyzed before and after treatment. Results The endometrial thickness of observation group was significantly better than control group after treatment, while the sex hormone levels, ovarian volume and antral follicle count (AFC) were lower than control group (P<0.05). The glycolipid metabolism indexes of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FIN) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in observation group were significantly better than control group after treatment (P<0.05). The rate of ovulation and pregnancy in observation group was significantly higher than control group after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusions Clomifene combined metformin can significantly improve glycolipid metabolism and sex hormone of patients with PCOS. It is helpful in promoting ovulation and improving clinical pregnancy rate. Key words: Metformin; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Glucose metabolism; Lipid metabolism; Gonadal hormones