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Suggest Treatment For PCOS, Elevated DHEA And High Insulin Serum

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Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015
Question: My endo dx me slight PCOS based on elevated DHEA & high insulin serum. He rx Metformin. Will the Met help lower the DHEA?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Metformin

Detailed Answer:
There have been many published studies in medical literature attempting to analyze the effect of metformin on DHEA and other male hormones ('androgens') like testosterone and androstenedione.

The results have been variable from modest to no reductions.

For these reasons, the consensus by experts is to not use metformin for specifically improving the consequences of excess androgens (such as excess hair growth or loss in male pattern, acne) in women with PCOS, as there is no major benefit perceived.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (7 hours later)
How can dhea be lowered & is it my adrenals causing the increase
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
There is a mild over-production of DHEA by the adrenals in those who have PCOS.

Lifestyle changes such as weight loss through diet and exercise generally help overall problems in PCOS but many a times, hormone treatment like estrogen is required to over-ride the effect of DHEA and testosterone in the body.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For PCOS, Elevated DHEA And High Insulin Serum

Brief Answer: Metformin Detailed Answer: There have been many published studies in medical literature attempting to analyze the effect of metformin on DHEA and other male hormones ('androgens') like testosterone and androstenedione. The results have been variable from modest to no reductions. For these reasons, the consensus by experts is to not use metformin for specifically improving the consequences of excess androgens (such as excess hair growth or loss in male pattern, acne) in women with PCOS, as there is no major benefit perceived.