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Fertility Glossary

Metformin

A medicine that improves insulin sensitivity, sometimes used in PCOS.

Medicines

Metformin is used for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes and is sometimes prescribed in polycystic ovary syndrome, where it may support more regular cycles alongside weight, activity and dietary changes. Evidence for improving live birth on its own is limited, so it is usually one part of a wider plan agreed with your doctor.

Also known as: Diaformin, Diabex, insulin sensitiser

Sources

  • Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ranzcog.edu.au)
  • Cochrane Library systematic reviews (cochranelibrary.com)

Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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