Date of Award

Spring 2023

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Andvik, Vicki

Abstract

The most common endocrine disorder affecting women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Pourghasem, 2019). Metformin is commonly used to decrease insulin resistance and increase fertility in these women. However, it is known to cause many side effects, which are mostly gastrointestinal related. Myoinositol is a B-vitamin that is thought to also decrease insulin resistance and increase fertility with few side effects. The purpose of this literature review is to determine whether myoinositol is a comparable substitute for metformin in patients with PCOS suffering with infertility. This was done by evaluating pregnancy rates, insulin resistance, and side effects of metformin and myoinositol. A literature review was completed and found that both medications had similar pregnancy rates. Neither medication affected insulin resistance. However, myoinositol had few side effects and appeared to reduce the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In conclusion, both medications had similar efficacy at increasing pregnancy rates, but myoinositol had fewer side effects and provided protection against OHSS.

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