A Review of Metformin and Spironolactone in Combined Dosage Form for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Emphasis on Pharmaceutical Analysis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine–metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and ovulatory dysfunction, resulting in menstrual irregularities, infertility, and increased metabolic risk. Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose production, thereby indirectly decreasing androgen levels and improving metabolic and reproductive function. Spironolactone, owing to its antiandrogenic activity, is effective in controlling symptoms such as hirsutism and acne. Their combined use provides a rational therapeutic strategy by addressing both metabolic and hormonal abnormalities of PCOS. In addition to clinical management, accurate pharmaceutical analysis is essential to ensure drug quality, safety, and efficacy. Analytical techniques including RP-HPLC, UV spectrophotometry, and HPTLC are widely employed for method development, validation, and stability studies of these drugs. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, treatment approach, and analytical evaluation of metformin and spironolactone in PCOS.