Comparison between metformin and simvastatin in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract EN

Objective : the aim of this study was to compare the effect of metformin and simvastatin on the hormonal profile, lipid, lipoprotein and insulin resistance, in cases with PCOS.

Setting: This study was conducted in Alzahraa University Hospital during the period between March 2010 to June 2010.

Design : prospective randomized study.

Patients and Methods: A total of (55) patients with PCOS and metabolic syndrome were randomized to receive oral Simvastatin and Metformin for three months.

For each patient (FBS, Fasting Insulin & IR).

Hormonal profile included (FSH, LH, Total & free testosterone), also lipid and lipoprotein profile included (Total colesterol, LDH, HDL & triglglycerid), evaluation were performed at baseline and after 3 months treatment.

Patients were classified according to the received medication into two groups : group I included n = 25 patients who received oral Metformin alone and Group II, n = 30 patients who received combination of Simvastatin and oral Metformin.

Results : there was a significant decrease in the (FBS, Fasting Insulin and Insulin Resistance ), in cases treated with combination of M&S (Group II) when compared with cases treated with M alone (Group I) (p < 0.01) No significant differences were noticed in the level of (FSH & LH) in both groups.

Total and Free testosterone decreased significantly and comparably in (Group II) than in (Group I) (P<0.01) & (P < 0.04) respectively.

Significant decrease were also observed in respect to lipid and lipoprotein profile (LDH) in favour of cases of (Group II) than cases of (Group I) (P < 0.001).

Significant increase in the level of (HDL) were recorded.

Conclusion : Combination of Simvastatin & Metformin was superior to Metformin alone in lowering Insulin resistance, improving Lipid & Lipoprotein profile, also this regimen was superior in decreasing both total and Free Testosterone when used to treat cases of PCOS.