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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) WomenPhase 4NCT07811856

Effects of Metformin and Theory-Based Education in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A Phase 4 study testing MetFORMIN and Theory-Based Behavioral Educational Program in people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women, run by Jerash Private University at 1 site in Jordan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition associated with metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, impaired glucose regulation, and abnormal lipid levels. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 years, women only
Conditions the study is for
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women
What is being tested?
MetFORMIN and Theory-Based Behavioral Educational Program
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
900 participants
Where
1 siteJordan
Study dates
1 Aug 2026to 1 Aug 2026
Phase
Phase 4
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Women aged 18-40 years.
  • Specialist-confirmed diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Ability and willingness to participate in the six-month study follow-up.
  • Ability to comply with the study procedures and assessments.

Who cannot join

  • Chronic hemolytic anemia.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Hepatic disorders.
  • Other endocrine, metabolic, or cardiovascular conditions that could affect glucose metabolism, vitamin B12 status, iron status, erythropoietin levels, or hematological parameters.
  • Previous use of insulin-sensitizing medications other than the study metformin.
  • Current or recent hormonal therapy that could affect the study outcomes.
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Current use of iron or vitamin B12 supplements.
  • Use of medications that could substantially affect glucose metabolism, vitamin B12 status, iron status, erythropoietin levels, or hematological parameters.
  • Any condition that could interfere with adherence to the intervention or completion of the six-month follow-up.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Jordan1 site
  • Jerash University

    Amman, 009627

Other trials in Jordan

About this study

Official title: The Effects of Metformin Combined With a Theory-Based Educational Program on Metabolic, Vitamin B12, Iron Status, Erythropoietin, and Hematological Parameters Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Three-Group Randomized Controlled Trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition associated with metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, impaired glucose regulation, and abnormal lipid levels. Metformin is commonly used to improve metabolic outcomes in women with PCOS, while lifestyle modification and behavioral education are important components of PCOS management. This study evaluates whether metformin, alone or combined with a theory-based behavioral educational program, is associated with changes in metabolic, vitamin B12, iron-status, erythropoietin, and hematological parameters compared with matching placebo.

This is a prospective, three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted among women aged 18-40 years with specialist-confirmed PCOS in Ministry of Health obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Jordan. A total of 900 participants were initially randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive matching placebo, metformin, or metformin combined with a theory-based behavioral educational program. The metformin groups received 1500 mg/day, administered as 500 mg three times daily, for six months. The combined intervention group additionally received five structured educational sessions addressing PCOS self-management, healthy dietary practices, physical activity, weight and waist management, metformin adherence, sleep, stress management, problem solving, and maintenance of healthy behaviors.

Clinical and laboratory outcomes were assessed at baseline and after six months. The primary outcomes include changes in anthropometric, metabolic, vitamin B12, iron-status, erythropoietic, and hematological parameters. Changes in PCOS-related knowledge and lifestyle practices were also evaluated among participants receiving the combined intervention.

Read the detailed description

This study is a prospective, three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted among women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study was conducted from August 2025 to February 2026 in obstetrics and gynecology clinics affiliated with the Ministry of Health, Jordan. The intervention and follow-up period lasted six months.

A total of 900 eligible participants were initially randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three study groups: a matching placebo group, a metformin group, and a combined metformin plus theory-based behavioral educational intervention group. All participants received routine clinical care for PCOS.

Participants assigned to the matching placebo group received routine clinical care together with matching placebo tablets identical to the metformin tablets in appearance, size, and form. Participants in the metformin group received routine clinical care together with metformin at a total daily dose of 1500 mg, administered as 500 mg three times daily, for six months. Participants in the combined intervention group received the same metformin regimen together with a structured theory-based behavioral educational program.

The behavioral educational intervention was grounded in Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory and incorporated educational and lifestyle domains relevant to PCOS self-management. The program consisted of five structured sessions of approximately 60 minutes each. The sessions addressed understanding PCOS and self-management; healthy dietary practices; physical activity, sedentary behavior, and weight and waist management; metformin adherence, metabolic health, and symptom monitoring; and sleep, stress management, problem solving, and maintenance of behavioral changes. Individualized education, practical examples, achievable goals, self-monitoring, reinforcement, and follow-up contacts were incorporated to support behavioral change.

Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed at baseline and at six months. The primary objective was to compare changes from baseline to six months among the three study groups in anthropometric parameters, metabolic parameters, vitamin B12, iron-status biomarkers, erythropoietin, and hematological indices. Metabolic assessments included measures of glucose regulation and insulin resistance and lipid parameters. Iron-status assessments included serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and ferritin. Hematological assessments included hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, white blood cell count, differential leukocyte counts, and platelet count.

A secondary objective was to evaluate changes in PCOS-related knowledge and lifestyle practices among participants receiving the combined metformin and theory-based behavioral educational intervention. Knowledge domains included the definition of PCOS, causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, and treatment and management. Lifestyle domains included dietary practices, physical activity, leisure activities, and sleep.

The study was designed to provide a controlled comparison of routine care with matching placebo, metformin therapy, and metformin combined with structured behavioral education. Participants receiving the educational intervention could not be blinded to the educational component because they were aware of their participation in the program. Standardized procedures were used for clinical assessment, laboratory measurements, data collection, and statistical analysis.

Being tested
MetFORMIN, Matching Placebo, Theory-Based Behavioral Educational Program
Keywords
Metformin, PCOS, heory-Based Behavioral Education, Lifestyle Education, Vitamin B12, Iron Status, Erythropoietin, Metabolic Outcomes, Hematological Parameters
Medical subject headings
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • MetFORMINDrug

    Metformin was administered at a total daily dose of 1500 mg, given as 500 mg three times daily, for six months.

  • Matching PlaceboDrug

    Matching placebo tablets identical to the metformin tablets in appearance, size, and form were administered for six months.

  • Theory-Based Behavioral Educational ProgramBehavioural

    A structured behavioral educational program grounded in Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory was provided to participants in the combined intervention group. The program consisted of five structured sessions addressing PCOS self-management, healthy dietary practices, physical activity and sedentary behavior, weight and waist management, metformin adherence, metabolic health, sleep, stress management, problem solving, and maintenance of behavioral changes.

Study groups in NCT07811856
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Matching Placebo GroupActive comparatorParticipants received routine clinical care together with matching placebo tablets identical to the metformin tablets in appearance, size, and form for six months. They did not receive study-prescribed metformin or the structured theory-based behavioral educational intervention.
Receives: Drug: Matching Placebo
Metformin GroupExperimentalParticipants received routine clinical care together with metformin at a total daily dose of 1500 mg, administered as 500 mg three times daily, for six months. They did not receive the structured theory-based behavioral educational intervention.
Receives: Drug: MetFORMIN
Metformin Plus Theory-Based Behavioral EducationExperimentalParticipants received routine clinical care together with metformin at a total daily dose of 1500 mg, administered as 500 mg three times daily, for six months, plus a structured theory-based behavioral educational program. The program consisted of five structured sessions addressing PCOS self-management, healthy dietary practices, physical activity, sedentary behavior, weight and waist management, metformin adherence, metabolic health, sleep, stress management, problem solving, and maintenance of behavioral changes.
Receives: Drug: MetFORMIN; Behavioral: Theory-Based Behavioral Educational Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  2. Change in Serum Insulin From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in serum insulin from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  3. Change in HOMA-IR From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  4. Change in Total Cholesterol (TC) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in total cholesterol (TC) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  5. Change in Triglycerides (TG) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in triglycerides (TG) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  6. Change in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  7. Change in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  8. Change in Serum Vitamin B12 From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in serum vitamin B12 concentration from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  9. Change in Serum Iron From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in serum iron concentration from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  10. Change in Serum Ferritin From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in serum ferritin concentration from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  11. Change in Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  12. Change in Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in transferrin saturation (TSAT) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  13. Change in Serum Erythropoietin (EPO) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in serum erythropoietin (EPO) concentration from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  14. Change in Hemoglobin (Hb) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  15. Change in Hematocrit (Hct) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in hematocrit (Hct) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  16. Change in Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  17. Change in Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  18. Change in Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  19. Change in Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in red cell distribution width (RDW) from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  20. Change in White Blood Cell (WBC) Count From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in neutrophil count from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  21. Change in Lymphocyte Count From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in lymphocyte count from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  22. Change in Eosinophil Count From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in eosinophil count from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  23. Change in Basophil Count From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in basophil count from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  24. Change in Platelet Count From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change in platelet count from baseline to 6 months among participants assigned to the matching placebo, metformin, or metformin plus theory-based behavioral education groups.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Change in PCOS-Related Knowledge and Lifestyle Practices From Baseline to 6 Months

    Change from baseline to 6 months in PCOS-related knowledge and lifestyle-practice scores among participants receiving metformin combined with the theory-based behavioral educational program. The assessment included PCOS-related knowledge and lifestyle domains covering food habits, physical activity, leisure time, and sleep pattern.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Sep 2026
  2. Study start1 Aug 2026
  3. Primary completion1 Aug 2026
  4. Study completion1 Aug 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to three parallel groups: matching placebo, metformin, or metformin combined with a theory-based behavioral educational program. All groups received routine clinical care and were followed for six months.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
900 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07811856
Sponsor's protocol ID
PCOS-MET-EDU-2025-01
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
4 Sep 2026
Last updated
10 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared with other researchers. Data will be retained by the research team and used for the purposes of the registered study and related scientific reporting.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 4 study testing MetFORMIN and Theory-Based Behavioral Educational Program in people with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Women, run by Jerash Private University at 1 site in Jordan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 9 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Jordan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) From Baseline to 6 Months (time frame: Baseline to 6 months). The study lists 24 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.

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