A Comparative Study of Myo Inositol Versus Metformin in Improving Symptoms of Menstrual Irregularities in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorder affecting 5 to 10% women of reproductive age leading to anovulation, menstrual cycle irregularities and other metabolic disorders.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of myo-inositol versus metformin in improving symptoms of menstrual irregularities in patients with PCOS.

Material and Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore over a period of six months from December 2022 to May 2023. In this study 100 patients (50 patients in Group A and 50 patients in Group B) were included. Group A patients were given myoinositol while group B patients were given metformin. Efficacy was assessed by observing improvement in menstrual cycle irregularity. Safety assessment of both drugs was also done at the end of treatment.

Results: A total of 100 cases were enrolled. Mean ± SD of age in group A was 24.20±4.02 years and in group B was 24.86±4.91years. Mean ± SD of BMI, Parity and Duration of disease of patients from group A was 26.40±2.35, 1.38±0.99 and 5.86±1.32 respectively; whereas from group B it has been observed as 26.10±2.16, 1.16±0.86, and 6.10+1.27 respectively. There were almost 40% improvement in menstrual cycle regularity in group A whereas group B has shown improvement in 84% of patients. There was statistically significant association of efficacy among both groups as p-value 0.000. In terms of safety profile, myoinositol proved to have better side effect profile.

Conclusion: Both Myoinositol and metformin were found to be safe and efficacious, however, Metformin significantly increased achievement of regular menstrual cycle in patients suffering from PCOS. But myoinositol has better safety profile with less side effects.