Abstract

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF MYO INOSITOL VERSUS METFORMIN IN POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME IN WOMEN

Jyoti Nehra*, Jyoti Kaushal, Savita Rani Singhal, Veena Singh Gehlaut

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), changes in physical appearance i.e. weight gain, hirsutism, menstrual disturbances and infertility result in reduced quality-of-life. Metformin and Myo-inositol being insulin sensitizers improve biochemical, clinical and reproductive parameters in PCOS in women. This study was done to compare the efficacy and safety of Myo- inositol versus metformin in PCOS in women. Materials and Methods: A prospective, open labeled, randomized, comparative, clinical study was conducted on 60 patients. The patients were randomly divided in two groups of 30 each to receive either of the following two treatments: Group A: Tab Myo- inositol 1g twice daily. Group B: Tab Metformin 500mg thrice daily for 6 months. Efficacy assessment was done by observing the signs and symptoms i.e. regularity of menstrual cycle, hirsutism (using modified Ferriman Gallwey score), acne and changes in weight at the end of every month for 6 months. Safety assessment was also done. Results: There was significant improvement in all the symptoms in both the groups over a period of 6months. However, on comparing both the groups at 3 and 6 months, no significant difference was observed in all the symptoms. Safety profile was better with Myo-inositol as compared to Metformin. Summary: Metformin and Myo-inositol are used for the treatment of PCOS. These drugs improve insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism and infertility. Although there was a definite improvement in signs and symptoms of PCOS with both types of treatment but on comparing both the groups no significant difference was observed. Myo-inositol was better tolerated as compared to Metformin.

Keywords: Hirsutism, Menstrual cycle, Insulin sensitizers, PCOM, Insulin resistance, Hyperandrogensim, Infertility.