Metformin for the Treatment of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A 23-year-old woman with the polycystic ovary syndrome presents for evaluation and possible treatment. She has a family history of diabetes, is obese, and has impaired glucose tolerance. Metformin therapy is recommended. Metformin increases insulin sensitivity and may reduce the risk of diabetes. In the polycystic ovary syndrome, long-term metformin treatment may increase ovulation, improve menstrual cyclicity, and reduce serum androgen levels.