The Impact of Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation on Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome who are Being Treated with Metformin

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of the simultaneous use of metformin and alpha lipoic acid on metabolic and fertility parameters in individuals with polycystic ovarian syndromes. 

Study Design: Randomized, single-blind clinical trial study 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Al-Qadisiyah, College of Medicine, Iraq from September 2024 and March 2025. 

Methods: Ninety women were assigned randomly in two groups. Patients in the metformin group received glucophage, while those in the metformin plus alpha lipoic acid group were administered metformin as in the first group along with alpha lipoic acid. All treatments were administered over a period of 12 weeks. Results: Both management methods exhibited a notable reduction in average levels of free testosterone, luteinizing  hormone:follicular stimulating hormone ratio, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antibodies, and ovarian volume (p<0.001); the impact of metformin combined with ALA was significantly greater in comparison to the other treatment method (p<0.05). Nevertheless, none of the treatment strategies had a significant. Therefore, the concurrent administration of metformin and alpha lipoic acid supplements is linked to the most favorable hormonal and ultrasound features in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome by diminishing the harmful influence of anti  gonadotropin-releasing hormone antibody levels. 

Conclusion: The combined use of metformin therapy and alpha lipoic acid supplements is associated with the most optimum hormonal and ultrasound characteristic in polycystic ovarian syndromes women by reducing the pathogenic effect of anti gonadotropin-releasing hormone antibody level.