In:
Dermatology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 218, No. 3 ( 2009), p. 231-236
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Background: 〈 /i 〉 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an insulin-resistant state with hirsutism as a common manifestation. 〈 i 〉 Objective: 〈 /i 〉 We hypothesized that treatment with metformin would improve the cosmetic effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for hair removal in PCOS patients. 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 70 PCOS patients randomly received metformin (1,500 mg daily) + IPL therapy or IPL therapy alone for 5 IPL sessions during a 6-month period, followed by an additional 6 months of observation. Hirsutism score, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), free androgen index (FAI) and patient satisfaction were evaluated at every visit. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 Fifty-two patients finished the study. Hirsutism was significantly better controlled in the metformin group (p = 0.009). Patient satisfaction was significantly better in the metformin group at the end of the observation period (52.9 vs. 34.1%, p = 0.019). HOMA-IR and FAI scores improved after metformin + IPL treatment (p 〈 0.05). 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 Adding metformin to IPL in women with PCOS results in a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and hirsutism.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1018-8665
,
1421-9832
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1482189-8
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1099692-8
Permalink