Weight Loss Benefit of Met In Women With PCOS Depends On Dosage (Study)
This study investigated whether there were signficant differences in the effects of Met on obese women with PCOS between 1500 mg and 2550 mg dosages. This study, published last May, found that there is a significant difference in weight loss for obese women with PCOS between 1500 mg and 2550 mg dosages (there was signficant weight loss with 1500 mg, and even more with 2550 mg). There was no significant difference in weight loss between the dosages for morbidly obese PCOS women (there was similar significant weight loss with both dosages for that group). No differences in reduced cholesterol were found between the dosage levels (Met lowered cholesterol similarly no matter what dosage was used). Ovarian function appeared to show improvement in all subgroups (no difference between the dosages). There were 83 women in the study and it lasted 8 months.
Abstract
Context: metformin treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is widespread, following studies with diverse patient populations. No comparative examination of weight changes or metabolite responses to different doses has been reported.
Objective: to determine whether different doses of metformin (1500 or 2550mg per day) would have different effects upon body weight, circulating hormones, markers of inflammation and lipid profiles.
Design: prospective cohorts randomised to 2 doses of metformin.
Setting: university teaching hospital with patients from gynaecology / endocrinology clinics
Patients: obese (Ob, BMI 30 to <37; n= 42) and morbidly obese (Mob, BMI >37; n=41) women with PCOS.
Intervention: patients were randomised to 2 doses of metformin, and parameters assessed after 4 and 8 months.
Main Outcome Measures: changes in body mass, circulating hormones, markers of inflammation and lipid profiles.
Results. Intention to treat analyses showed significant weight loss in both dose groups. Only the Ob sub-group showed a dose relationship (1.5 Kg and 3.6 Kg in 1500mg and 2550mg groups respectively, P=0.04). The Mob group showed similar reductions (3.9 and 3.8 Kg) in both groups. Suppression of androstenedione was significant with both metformin doses, but with no clear dose relationship. Generally beneficial changes in lipid profiles were not related to dose.
Conclusion. Weight loss is a feature of protracted metformin therapy in obese women with PCOS, with greater weight reduction potentially achievable with higher doses. Further studies are required to determine whether other aspects of the disorder may benefit from the higher dose of metformin.
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/rap...004-2283v1.pdf