From the Guidelines
Metformin has no established effects on endometriosis, as there is no mention of metformin in the provided evidence 1.
Effects of Metformin on Endometriosis
- The provided evidence discusses the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, but does not mention metformin as a potential therapeutic agent 1.
- Endometriosis treatment typically involves medical therapies, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or progestins, or surgical excision by a specialist 1.
- The evidence focuses on the use of imaging studies, such as transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and MRI, to diagnose and characterize endometriosis, but does not discuss the role of metformin in treatment 1.
- In the absence of evidence, it is unclear whether metformin, typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, may have any effects on endometriosis, and further research would be needed to determine its potential therapeutic effects 1.
From the Research
Effects of Metformin on Endometriosis
- There is limited direct evidence on the effects of metformin on endometriosis, but some studies suggest that metformin may have anticancer, antiproliferative, and apoptosis-inducing effects on malignant cells, including those in the endometrium 2.
- Metformin has been shown to have pleiotropic effects on various systems and processes, including regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, minimizing cardiovascular risks, and exerting neuroprotective effects 2, 3.
- The mechanisms of action of metformin are complex and not fully understood, but it is known to act through both AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent and AMPK-independent mechanisms 4, 5.
- Some studies have investigated the use of metformin in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is often associated with endometriosis, and have found that metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation rates in women with PCOS 4, 3.
- However, it is unclear whether the beneficial effects of metformin on PCOS and other conditions are directly relevant to its potential effects on endometriosis, and further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between metformin and endometriosis.