Dragamestianos C, et al. - The effect of metformin on endometrial receptivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was determined. For the first time, researchers reported that metformin administration to women with PCOS did not influence the expression of endometrial receptivity markers but it delayed histological glandular maturation. Findings suggest an influence of metformin on the function of the endometrium in PCOS.

Methods

• Researchers prospectively investigated 20 volunteer women with polycystic ovaries and oligomenorrhea.
• They treated all women with exogenous estradiol and progesterone to simulate a normal menstrual cycle (28-day duration) after GnRH-induced pituitary desensitization.
• No other medication was given to 10 women (group A, control), while the the remaining 10 recieved metformin (group B, metformin).
• On day 21 of the 2 simulated cycles, they performed endometrial biopsy in all women.

Results

• The expression of corticotropin – releasing hormone and urocortin in the endometrium were investigated.
• The 2 groups were not significantly different.
• Seven out of 10 women of group B (70%) vs only 1 out of 10 women of group A (10%, p=0.02) showed a 3-day delay in the secretory maturation of the glandular epithelium relatively to the stroma.