Medical researchers from the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health and Monash University have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of a common hormone disorder affecting up to 10 per cent of women of reproductive age.

The finding confirms that lifestyle combined with  metformin is likely to be the best option to lower insulin resistance and potentially protect against type 2 diabetes for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS is a hormone disorder with increases in the hormone insulin. The elevated insulin causes symptoms including infertility, facial hair, diabetes and potentially an increased risk of heart disease.

While the causes of PCOS are not yet clear, recent studies show a woman’s level of physical activity, her diet and her genetics can be involved – as these all impact on the insulin hormone levels.

The new findings reveal that metformin, used for more than 60 years to treat diabetes, has a greater role in the treatment of PCOS than previously thought.

In this study metformin:

• lowered the levels of insulin and 
• for the first time was shown to improve the symptoms of PCOS as effectively as conventional treatment with the oral contraceptive pill.

The findings revealed that for women with symptoms of PCOS, low-dose and high-dose contraceptives and metformin were all effective at treating symptoms. However, the high-dose Pill increased insulin levels, increasing future diabetes risk. The low-dose Pill had no effect on insulin and metformin considerably reduced insulin levels.

“Significantly, these results suggest that long-term use of the high-dose Pill for PCOS sufferers is not ideal as it increases insulin resistance, increasing diabetes risk,” Prof Teede says. “It’s extremely important for women with PCOS to change their lifestyles by incorporating regular physical activity into their daily routine and eating a well-balanced, low-fat diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Lifestyle changes, as well as medication, are vital for a reduction in symptoms and insulin resistance.”

“This is an important study which will help the medical profession and women choose the best clinical treatment for this common hormone disorder.”

Prof Teede’s findings were published in the international journal, Diabetes Care on February 28.

Meyer C, McGrath BP, Teede HJ. Effects of Medical Therapy on Insulin Resistance and the Cardiovascular System in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Diabetes Care 2007 30: 471-478

Abstract: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/30/3/471

Media

For more information and interviews with Professor Teede, please call Aleeza Zohar on 03 9562 6771 or 0425 758 729.

Resources

A website from the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health all about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome www.managingpcos.org.au

 Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Fact Sheet (58.72 KB)