Читать книгу The Ultimate PCOS Handbook: Lose weight, boost fertility, clear skin and restore self-esteem - Theresa Cheung - Страница 46

The first line of treatment is typically the fertility drug clomiphene citrate, which stimulates the ovaries to release one or more eggs. Clomiphene triggers ovulation in about 80 per cent of women with PCOS, and about 50 per cent of these women will actually become pregnant. In women taking clomiphene, ovulation can be confirmed by blood and urine tests or by measurement of body temperature. If the original dose of clomiphene does not trigger ovulation, the doctor may prescribe a higher dose.

Several studies⁹ have shown that the insulin-sensitizing drug, metformin, increases the effectiveness of clomiphene in producing ovulation. And another study¹⁰ suggested metformin may reduce the risk of miscarriage. So your specialist may prescribe it alongside clomiphene.

Although many women use metformin in their pursuit of a successful pregnancy, and early studies¹¹ look promising, it’s important to point out that its safety for use during pregnancy has not been firmly established. Metformin does contribute to increased homocysteine levels, and increased homocysteine levels can increase the risk of miscarriage.