Comparing the Individual Effects of Metformin and Rosiglitazone and Their Combination in Obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To compare the effects of metformin, rosiglitazone, and their combination in obese polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with insulin resistance.

Design: Prospective randomized controlled trail.

Setting: Tertiary teaching hospital.

Patient(s): Obese Chinese women (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m) with insulin resistance who fulfilled the Rotterdam criteria of PCOS.

Intervention(s): In group 1, 68 patients administered metformin (1,500 mg/day); in group 2, 67 patients administered rosiglitazone (4 mg/day); in group 3, 69 patients administered metformin (1,000 mg/day) and rosiglitazone (4 mg/day) for 6 months, all with the same diet and regular exercise lifestyle recommendation.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Average menstrual interval, anthropometric measurements, androgen-related parameters, and metabolic features of insulin, carbohydrates, and lipids, with intention-to-treat analysis.

Result(s): The baseline parameters showed no statistically significant differences. After the 6-month treatment, most participants showed an improved menstrual pattern. There were statistically significant decreases in acne scores, weight, BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and serum testosterone. The metabolic indexes of insulin, carbohydrates, and lipids were improved obviously compared with the baseline in each group. Among the three groups, the patients administered 1,500 mg/day metformin experienced greater reductions in weight. However, the rosiglitazone users (alone or combined with metformin) showed a more notable decline in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion(s): Considering the benefits of metformin on weight loss, high-dose metformin (1,500 mg/day) along with lifestyle modification should be recommended for obese, insulin-resistant women with PCOS. Rosiglitazone alone or combined with low-dosage metformin plus lifestyle modification should be considered for the women with abnormal lipid profiles.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR-TRC-13003642 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).