Metformin is an insulin-sensitising medicine that helps in reducing the blood sugar levels and also to treat type 2 diabetes.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women, and this drug is prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles in PCO patients and increase the chances of pregnancy in them. Obese women diagnosed with PCOS are usually hyperinsulinemic, that is, they have increased levels of insulin and androgens (male hormones) in their body. Metformin helps to decrease the insulin resistance in PCOS patients.
Metformin may also decrease the risk of miscarriage associated with PCOS. Metformin makes the body cells sensitive to insulin. It also helps to diminish the excess production of androgen by the ovaries to a great extent. Metformin is used as a hormone balancing drug to help resume the ovulation process in some PCOS women. Sometimes, fertility specialists prescribe Metformin along with Ovulation Induction drugs like Clomiphene or Letoval and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) for inducing ovulation.
Metformin has numerous actions on the body and the main is the suppression of the production of endogenous glucose by the liver. Metformin keeps the insulin production in the body at bay and improves its effectiveness.
Doctors find the use of metformin in fertility treatment effective because it helps in the following way:
NB:It is advised that Metformin should be taken only when prescribed by a doctor, and follow the dosage suggested by them.