---
title: "Comparison of two insulin sensitizers, metformin and…"
description: "Metformin and myo-inositol similarly improve insulin sensitivity, BMI, and menstrual cycles in women with PCOS."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27808588.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27808588.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27808588.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d27808588"
journal: "Gynecol Endocrinol"
year: 2016
pmid: "27808588"
doi: "10.1080/09513590.2016.1236078"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Comparison of two insulin sensitizers, metformin and myo-inositol, in women with PCOS

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Gynecol Endocrinol |
| Year | 2016 |
| PMID | [27808588](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27808588/) |
| DOI | [10.1080/09513590.2016.1236078](https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2016.1236078) |
| Study key | d27808588 |

## Takeaway

Metformin and myo-inositol similarly improve insulin sensitivity, BMI, and menstrual cycles in women with PCOS.

## The question

What are the comparative effects of metformin and myo-inositol on clinical and metabolic features in women with PCOS?

## Hypothesis

Insulin-sensitizer agents like metformin and inositols improve endocrine and metabolic aspects of PCOS, and this study aims to compare their effects.

## Methods

Fifty women with PCOS, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR >2.5) and/or hyperinsulinemia, were randomized to receive either metformin (1500 mg/day) or myo-inositol (4 g/day) for 6 months. Researchers evaluated insulin secretion, BMI, menstrual cycle length, acne, and hirsutism at baseline and after treatment. Insulin resistance was defined as HOMA-IR >2.5, and hyperinsulinemia was defined by AUC for insulin after a glucose load above the laboratory's normal cutoff.

## Results

Both treatment groups showed similar improvements. Insulin sensitivity improved in both groups. BMI significantly decreased, and the menstrual cycle normalized in approximately 50% of the women. No significant changes were observed in acne or hirsutism.

## Conclusion

Metformin and myo-inositol are both useful in women with PCOS for lowering BMI, ameliorating insulin sensitivity, and improving menstrual cycles, with no significant differences between the two treatments.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> The insulin sensitivity improved in both treatment groups

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Myo-Inositol | Moderate evidence | [Myo-Inositol](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/131.md) |

## Reference

1. **Comparison of two insulin sensitizers, metformin and myo-inositol, in women with PCOS**
   Gynecol Endocrinol 2016 · [PMID 27808588](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27808588/) · [DOI 10.1080/09513590.2016.1236078](https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2016.1236078)

   > The insulin sensitivity improved in both treatment groups

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Myo-Inositol](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/131.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: insulin second-messenger](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s131.md)
- [A randomized controlled trial comparing myoinositol with metformin versus metformin…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d37265016.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).