Increased Insulin Sensitivity by Metformin Enhances Intense-Pulsed-Light-Assisted Hair Removal in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Vol. 218, No. 3, 2009

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Clinical and Laboratory Studies

Increased Insulin Sensitivity by Metformin Enhances Intense-Pulsed-Light-Assisted Hair Removal in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Hassan Rezvanian^a, Neda Adibi^b, Mansour Siavash^a, Ali Kachuei^a, Fariba Shojaee-Moradie^c, Ali Asilian^b

^aIsfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center and
^bIsfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran;
^cWolfson Centre for Translational Research, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Dermatology 2009;218:231-236 (DOI: 10.1159/000187718)

Key Words

Polycystic ovary syndrome
Metformin
Intense pulsed light
Hirsutism

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an insulin-resistant state with hirsutism as a common manifestation. Objective: We hypothesized that treatment with metformin would improve the cosmetic effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for hair removal in PCOS patients. Methods: In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 70 PCOS patients randomly received metformin (1,500 mg daily) + IPL therapy or IPL therapy alone for 5 IPL sessions during a 6-month period, followed by an additional 6 months of observation. Hirsutism score, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), free androgen index (FAI) and patient satisfaction were evaluated at every visit. Results: Fifty-two patients finished the study. Hirsutism was significantly better controlled in the metformin group (p = 0.009). Patient satisfaction was significantly better in the metformin group at the end of the observation period (52.9 vs. 34.1%, p = 0.019). HOMA-IR and FAI scores improved after metformin + IPL treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Adding metformin to IPL in women with PCOS results in a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and hirsutism.

Author Contacts

Mansour Siavash, MD
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center, Sedigheh Tahereh Medical Research Complex
Khorram Street, Isfahan 8187698191 (Iran)
Tel. +98 311 335 9933, Fax +98 311 337 3733, E-Mail siavash@med.mui.ac.ir

Article Information

Received: February 18, 2008
Accepted: October 14, 2008
Published online: December 18, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 28

Medline Abstract (ID 19092235)

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