Metformin reduces leptin resistance

Metformin reduces leptin resistance and increases ovulation in PCOS women. Leptin correlates with testosterone and BMI, but does not correlate with insulin levels. Significant reduction in leptin levels also induces ovulation

The PCOS women displayed significant benefit after 2 months treatment with metformin (Table 1(Tab. 1)). The weight and BMI reduced significantly after metformin treatment (p < 0.001). The fasting glucose levels showed a significant reduction (p < 0.001). The hormonal assays showed significant reduction in the levels of insulin, leptin and testosterone (p < 0.001), while a significant increase in progesterone levels (p < 0.01). Ovulation was achieved in 93.33 % women. The mean leptin levels after 2 months of treatment in metformin group reduced significantly (9.6 ± 1.1 to 5.8 ± 0.71 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). However, the leptin levels were found to be in the normal range (6.6-11.0 ng/ml