Questions about Metformin

Metformin



Metformin is a drug that is used to control sugar levels in Type 2 Diabetes, and it is commonly prescribed to women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).

PCOS affects approximately 5-10% of women and is caused by an excess of androgen hormones (including testosterone). Metformin works by reducing insulin levels and resistance which leads to a reduction in testosterone. It helps to increase the ovulation rate in women with PCOS when prescribed either by itself or with Clomid, and it can also reduce the incidence of miscarriage.

Some of the side effects of Metformin can be diarrhoea, issues with vitamin B12 absorption, nausea, flatulence, and indigestion. Your doctor should discuss the side effects with you as well as what dosage of Metformin to take.

We hope this has answered some of your questions about what Metformin is and why it is used. If you are TTC and taking Metformin, please feel free to join in the monthly discussion thread on Trying to Conceive & Taking Clomid and/or Metformin which can be found in the Conception - TTC Buddies Forum.

I've been on Metformin for PCOS for at least 10 years now, so if anybody has any questions let me know.

Jeanette

Yep old hand at PCOS and metformin here too

Hi Pee & Ragged_blossum..

I have just been prescribed Metformin to take with my clomid when TTC... im a mystery PCOS case... my ovaries look fine but I have all the symptomss....

My questions are:

1. how bad are the side effects of the Met
2. can you take panadol/panadine when you have headache/migrane when taking Met
3. Can you drink when taking Met? (ie, one or two glasses of wine?)

Thanks girls

Bel

Did you ever get answers, Bel?

I've just started on metformin today, and I'm wondering if I should be monitoring my blood glucose? A colleague with type 1 diabetes is on the same dose as my specialist wants me to work up to and has to do this four times a day, but nothing was mentioned about it to me.

BW

Hi BW

Metformin's main use is for diabetics, but that's to sort out diet-controlled type IIs usually. A slightly less common use is for PCOS - it can be used without PCOS to look after weight, but that is an unlicenced use. Metformin will not give you diabetes, it's just a drug that can be used with two conditions. I think it works because it converts some androgens or something. Hmm, will have to read up a bit today at work.

Most people have no side-effects (according to the literature) and I think there are no diet/tablet restrictions with it, but it's always worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist before you take anything anyway.

I'm just wondering about side effects.

Did you have any? Did they start straight away as soon as you began taking it?
If you were on Metformin long term, were your side effects constant or did they disappear after using it for a little bit?

xox

I used it from October 2008 to February 2009 - not exactly long term but I did get some side effects.

I was on a low dosage of one tablet per day (which I think is 500mg). I took mine at night before bed and after dinner as taking it whilst I was eating or just before food made me ill and so night was the best time for me. I think taking it at the same time every day also helped.

My bowels were very loose in the first few weeks of taking it - I think I first noticed the change in bowel movements on day 3. But they didn't last forever and once my body got used to the dosage it was ok.

I did at times dread to think what would have happened if I had been required to up the dosage... those first few weeks of knowing the location of any close toilet were not exactly fun.

Hope that has been some help to you.

Thanks so much for repling.

xox

Just wondering if any metformin gals had to go back onto the medication to TTC.

My cycle returned by themselves post baby at 13 months post birth and I am currently on CD 46 and no signs of ovulation (not taking BBT each morning, just observing CM etc - can't figure out how to take BBT at same time each morning and after appropriate sleep). We aren't TTC but I am trying to work out what my body is doing and wondering whether I should start the process of going back onto metformin.