Spironolactone Plus Metformin for PCOS: Are They Really Better When Used Together?

Study suggests combination therapy had better efficacy for management of polycystic ovary syndrome, but many questions remain.

Although management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is generally directed at relieving bothersome symptoms and preventing endometrial abnormalities resulting from anovulation, attention has shifted toward insulin-sensitizing agents (particularly metformin) to alleviate metabolic disturbances leading to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Metformin and spironolactone can reduce menstrual irregularity and hirsutism; thus, investigators in India evaluated the efficacy of the two agents (metformin 1000 mg daily and spironolactone 50 mg daily) given separately or together in a randomized, open-label, 6-month trial involving 198 women with PCOS.

At 6 months, frequency of menstrual periods …

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Spironolactone Plus Metformin for PCOS: Are They Really Better When Used Together?

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Reviewing Author