Effect of Administration of Metformin on Lipid Profile in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome after Six Months of Treatment

Objective: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Insulin sensitizers, especially metformin, have been shown to improve these metabolic disturbances, but there are only a few studies on their effects on serum lipids in polycystic ovary syndrome. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of metformin on lipid profile changes in patients affected by PCOS. Methods: In this study, 60 women aged 16-40 years with PCOS were selected. Diagnostic criteria were based on the diagnostic criteria of PCO syndrome in Rotterdam ESHRE (European Society for Human Reproduction)/ ASRM(American Society of Reproductive Medicine) Sponsored PCOS Consensus Workshop Group (2004). Samples of fasting peripheral blood were taken from all patients to test serum Cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TG) and High density lipoprotein (HDL) at the start of the treatment and were repeated after 6 months of metformin treatment in a dosage of 1500 mg in divided doses. Also, BMI was compared before and after the treatment. Results: The mean BMI before treatment was 24.6 2.9 kg/m 2 and after treatment was 23.8 2.8 kg/m 2 (p<0.0001). The mean cholesterol level before treatment was 192.9 30.2 mg/dl and after treatment was 174.0 21.7 mg/dl (p<0.0001).