An assessment of lifestyle modification versus medical treatment with clomiphene citrate, metformin, and clomiphene citrate–metformin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To compare the effect of clomiphene citrate, metformin, and lifestyle modification on treatment of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

Prospective randomized double-blind study.

Setting

University-based infertility clinic and research center.

Patient(s)

Three hundred forty-three overweight infertile women with PCOS.

Intervention(s)

The participating women were assigned to four groups: clomiphene (n = 90), metformin (n = 90), clomiphene + metformin (n = 88), and lifestyle modification (n = 75). The patients in each group received standardized dietary and exercise advice from a dietitian.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The primary outcome variables were change in menstrual cycle, waist circumference measurements, endocrine parameters, and lipid profile. The main secondary outcome variable was clinical pregnancy rate.

Result(s)

The clinical pregnancy rate was 12.2% in clomiphene group, 14.4% in metformin group, 14.8% in clomiphene + metformin group, and 20% in lifestyle modification group. Lifestyle modification group achieved a significant reduction in waist circumference, total androgen, and lipid profile.

Conclusion(s)

Lifestyle modification improves the lipid profile in PCOS patients. Therefore, lifestyle modification may be used as the first line of ovulation induction in PCOS patients.

Key Words: Polycystic ovary syndrome, clomiphene, metformin, lifestyle modification, ovulation induction