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The effects of metformin or orlistat on obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized open-label study

  • Gonadal Physiology and Disease
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose

Comparing the effects of metformin or orlistat on hormone, lipid profile and ovulation status in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods

A total of 80 women were prospectively recruited to receive either metformin (n = 40) or orlistat (n = 40). Weight, BMI, waist, serum LH, total serum testosterone and lipid profile were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. The subjects’ ovulatory status was assessed after 3 months.

Results

There was no significant difference in ovulation between the two treatment groups (30% vs 15%). Treatment with either drug showed a significant decline in body weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), and waist circumference, but the degree of decline in both groups was the same. Patients who were treated with orlistat, showed a significant reduction in total testosterone and serum lipid. Women in metformin group showed a significant reduction in serum LH.

Conclusions

Both metformin and orlistat showed a similar effect on weight loss and ovulation rates.

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Acknowledgements

The authors especially thank Dr Hossein Fallahzadeh for his assistance in statistical analysis of the data. This study was supported by a grant from the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran

    Sedigheh Ghandi & Mohammad Hossein Sojoodi Moghaddam

  2. Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran

    Abbas Aflatoonian & Nasim Tabibnejad

Authors
  1. Sedigheh Ghandi
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  2. Abbas Aflatoonian
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  3. Nasim Tabibnejad
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  4. Mohammad Hossein Sojoodi Moghaddam
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Correspondence to Sedigheh Ghandi.

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Capsule

Metformin and orlistat show a similar effect on weight loss and ovulation rates in obese PCOS patients.

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Ghandi, S., Aflatoonian, A., Tabibnejad, N. et al. The effects of metformin or orlistat on obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective randomized open-label study. J Assist Reprod Genet 28, 591–596 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9564-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-011-9564-2

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