~30 spots leftby Apr 2027

Metformin vs. Birth Control Pills for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

(SHK002 Trial)

CM
Overseen byChris McCartney, MD
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Female
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase < 1
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Virginia
Must not be taking: Anticonvulsants, Rifampicin, Glucocorticoids, others
Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Hypertension, Stroke, others
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this study is to determine the relative desirability of metformin vs. oral combined hormonal contraceptives (OCs) in treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in women of later reproductive age. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Questionnaire (PCOSQ) score will be used as a proxy for patient satisfaction. In light of their respective effects on the classic and metabolic facets of PCOS, metformin will provide non-inferior patient satisfaction compared to OCs in later reproductive age women with PCOS.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking any medications that affect the reproductive system, such as birth control pills, metformin, progestins, glucocorticoids, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, at least 2 months before screening and 3 months before the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Metformin for treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Research shows that Metformin can help improve insulin resistance and support ovulation in women with PCOS, which may lead to better fertility outcomes. Additionally, combining Metformin with oral contraceptives may offer metabolic benefits for women with PCOS.12345

Is metformin safe for humans?

Metformin is generally considered safe for humans and is commonly used to treat conditions like diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may also help reduce the risk of miscarriage and diabetes during pregnancy, although more research is needed.46789

How does the drug Metformin differ from other treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Metformin is unique because it improves insulin sensitivity, which helps reduce insulin levels and improve the metabolic profile in women with PCOS. Unlike other treatments, it can also increase sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), decrease androgen levels, and induce ovulation, making it particularly beneficial for those with insulin resistance.810111213

Research Team

CM

Chris McCartney, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Virginia

Eligibility Criteria

Women aged 40-49 with PCOS, having irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles and signs of high male hormones. They should not be at risk for pregnancy, have a history of severe liver disease, heart problems, stroke, blood clots, certain cancers or uncontrolled cholesterol levels. Participants must avoid medications affecting the reproductive system before the trial.

Inclusion Criteria

I have fewer than 10 periods a year or my cycle is longer than 35 days, but I have a history of irregular periods.
I have PCOS with signs of high male hormones and irregular periods.
I am a woman aged 40-49 with PCOS and irregular or infrequent periods.
See 6 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have a history of heart or brain blood flow problems.
I understand what the study involves and why it's being done.
My hormone levels indicate I am in perimenopause.
See 33 more

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment Phase 1

Participants receive either metformin or oral contraceptives for 6 months

6 months
Baseline and every 3 months for safety surveillance

Crossover Treatment Phase

Participants switch to the alternate treatment (metformin or oral contraceptives) for another 6 months

6 months
Baseline and every 3 months for safety surveillance

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Metformin (Biguanides)
  • Oral combined hormonal contraceptives (Combined Hormonal Contraceptives)
Trial OverviewThe study is testing whether metformin or birth control pills (oral contraceptives) are more satisfying for treating symptoms of PCOS in women nearing menopause. Satisfaction will be measured using a questionnaire designed to assess patient contentment with their treatment.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Metformin then oral combined hormonal contraceptivesExperimental Treatment2 Interventions
Subjects will take metformin 2000 mg/day for the first 6 months, followed by 6 months of oral combined hormonal contraceptive (OCs) with a combination of ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg/norethindrone acetate 1 mg.
Group II: Oral combined hormonal contraceptives then metforminActive Control2 Interventions
Subjects will take oral combined hormonal contraceptive (OCs) with a combination of ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg/norethindrone acetate 1 mg for the first 6 months, followed by 6 months of metformin 2000 mg/day.

Metformin is already approved in Canada, Japan, China, Switzerland for the following indications:

🇨🇦
Approved in Canada as Glucophage for:
  • Type 2 diabetes
🇯🇵
Approved in Japan as Glucophage for:
  • Type 2 diabetes
🇨🇳
Approved in China as Glucophage for:
  • Type 2 diabetes
🇨🇭
Approved in Switzerland as Glucophage for:
  • Type 2 diabetes

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Virginia

Lead Sponsor

Trials
802
Recruited
1,342,000+
James E. Ryan profile image

James E. Ryan

University of Virginia

Chief Executive Officer since 2018

J.D. from Harvard Law School

Nikki Hastings profile image

Nikki Hastings

University of Virginia

Chief Medical Officer since 2018

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from University of Virginia

Findings from Research

In a study of 119 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), persistence rates for oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) and metformin were similar at 3 months (57.1% for OCPs vs. 57.8% for metformin), indicating both treatments are equally accepted initially.
However, persistence with both treatments significantly declined over time, with only 21.7% continuing OCPs and 31.2% continuing metformin at 12 months, highlighting a challenge in long-term adherence to treatment for PCOS.
Persistence with oral contraceptive pills versus metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Karjane, NW., Cheang, KI., Mandolesi, GA., et al.[2022]
Targeting insulin resistance in women with PCOS can lead to significant improvements in hormonal balance, metabolism, and ovulation, which may enhance fertility.
The treatment approach for PCOS should be personalized based on individual factors such as age, degree of androgen excess, presence of obesity, and fertility desires, with options including lifestyle changes, insulin sensitizers like metformin, and hormonal therapies.
Targeting insulin sensitivity in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.Pasquali, R., Gambineri, A.[2013]
In a systematic review of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 707 nonobese women with PCOS, the combination of oral contraceptives (OCs) and metformin significantly improved fasting glucose and insulin levels compared to OCs alone.
While the combination treatment enhanced glucose metabolism, it did not show significant differences in other metabolic markers like cholesterol or insulin resistance, suggesting that metformin specifically benefits glucose regulation in this population.
Oral contraceptives (OCs) in combination with metformin versus OCs alone on metabolism in nonobese polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Wu, L., Liu, Y., Huang, X., et al.[2023]

References

Persistence with oral contraceptive pills versus metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. [2022]
Targeting insulin sensitivity in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. [2013]
Oral contraceptives (OCs) in combination with metformin versus OCs alone on metabolism in nonobese polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials. [2023]
Comparing the individual effects of metformin and rosiglitazone and their combination in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. [2020]
The effects of metformin on insulin resistance, clomiphene-induced ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. [2022]
Flutamide-metformin plus an oral contraceptive (OC) for young women with polycystic ovary syndrome: switch from third- to fourth-generation OC reduces body adiposity. [2013]
The effects of metformin and letrozole on endometrium and ovary in a rat model. [2018]
Management of infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome : a practical guide. [2019]
Effect of metformin and exenatide on pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcomes in overweight or obese infertility PCOS women: long-term follow-up of an RCT. [2022]
Current approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome in youth. [2022]
Metformin versus oral contraceptive pill in polycystic ovary syndrome: a Cochrane review. [2022]
Clinical outcomes of ovulation induction with metformin, clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin in polycystic ovary syndrome. [2017]
Effects of metformin and ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate on clinical, endocrine and metabolic factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. [2013]