Effects of myo-inositol vs. metformin on hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #humans #metformin #polycystic-ovary-syndrome #hypoglycemic-agents

Effects of myo-inositol vs. metformin on hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis

Fatima et al., 2023 | Ir J Med Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fatima Kaneez, Jamil Zainab, ... Ochani Sidhant. Effects of myo-inositol vs. metformin on hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS: a meta-analysis. Ir J Med Sci. 2023-Dec;192(6):2801-2808. doi:10.1007/s11845-023-03388-5

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most prevalent hormonal disorder in females. Over the years, metformin (MET) has become the first-line choice of treatment; however, due to its gastrointestinal side effects, a more recent drug, myo-inositol (MI), has been introduced. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of MET and MI on hormonal and metabolic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors extensively searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) until August 2021. Eight (n = 8) articles were included, with a total sample size of 1088, of which 460 patients received MET, 436 received MI, and 192 received a combination of both. Standard mean differences (SMDs) and Confidence Intervals (CIs) were used for data synthesis, and forest plots were made using Review Manager 5.4 for Statistical Analysis using the random-effect model. RESULTS: The meta-analysis indicates that there is no significant difference between MET and MI in terms of their effects on BMI (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: - 0.11 to 0.43, p = 0.24), fasting insulin (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI: - 0.26 to 0.27, p = 0.97), fasting blood sugar (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: - 0.31to 0.53, p = 0.60), HOMA index (SMD = 0.09, 95% CI: - 0.20 to 0.39, p = 0.50), and LH/FSH (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI: - 0.24 to 0.64, p = 0.37). BMI, fasting blood sugar, and LH/FSH ratio reported moderate heterogeneity because of the varying number of study participants. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis comparing hormonal and metabolic parameters between MET and MI did not show much significant difference, indicating both drugs are equally beneficial in improving metabolic and hormonal parameters in patients with PCOS.

Key Findings

The meta-analysis indicates that there is no significant difference between MET and MI in terms of their effects on BMI (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: - 0.11 to 0.43, p = 0.24), fasting insulin (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI: - 0.26 to 0.27, p = 0.97), fasting blood sugar (SMD = 0.11, 95% CI: - 0.31to 0.53, p = 0.60), HOMA index (SMD = 0.09, 95% CI: - 0.20 to 0.39, p = 0.50), and LH/FSH (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI: - 0.24 to 0.64, p = 0.37). BMI, fasting blood sugar, and LH/FSH ratio reported moderate heterogeneity because

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population pcos
Sample Size 8
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Metformin
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Blood Glucose
  • Inositol
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: inositol

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10