Effects of Metformin and Exercise in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Metformin is introduced for treatment of women with PCOS, and the beneficial effects of exercise in women with PCOS are found for a range of outcomes. Our aim is to compare the effects of metformin plus exercise with exercise intervention in PCOS on clinical, anthropometric, metabolic, and psychological parameters. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for studies. Nine studies were considered eligible for inclusion. The meta-analysis reveals that metformin offers additive benefits to exercise, leading to modest improvements in menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and abdominal fat.

Key words

metformin - exercise - polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Publication History

Received: 11 November 2020

Accepted after revision: 01 October 2021

Article published online:
05 November 2021

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