This Q&A is the fourth in a series of seven Q&As (links shown below) on the use of metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Please refer to the Q&A ‘Can metformin benefit women with polycystic ovary syndrome?’ for general background information about the condition PCOS and prescribing advice for metformin.

Although metformin is not licensed for the treatment of PCOS it has shown limited efficacy in PCOS symptoms of hirsutism (dose 1.5-1.7g/day) and acne (dose 1.5g/day). Further studies are needed to determine whether metformin has any real clinical benefits with regard to these symptoms.

Because metformin is licensed only for the treatment of type 2 diabetes the prescriber takes full responsibility when prescribing metformin for PCOS.

What effect does metformin have on anovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

What effect does metformin have on early pregnancy loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

What effect does metformin have on insulin resistance or the development of diabetes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

What effect does metformin have on obesity and the cardiovascular problems seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?

How effective is metformin compared to the oral contraceptive pill and (thiazolidinediones) glitazones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?