Metformin ameliorates PCOS pathology, such as weight gain, glucose intolerance, cystic ovaries, and hyperandrogenemia, by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to suppress excess autophagy, thereby reducing oxidative stress, decreasing cystic follicles, and restoring luteinization. Here, AKT1 is linked to polycystic ovary syndrome.