Metformin + side effects

I was taking metformin before I conceived, only for a week or so, I had just been diagnosed with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and insulin resistance. My OB/Gyn put me off the metformin once I had the positive pregnancy test, but since we found out the baby had died I am back on it. I find I have nausea and some diarrhea with it, is this normal? Does it get better with time?

Also I have read that it is better to stay on the metformin when you fall pregnant, so am not sure why my Ob/Gyn took me off it, has anyone else had this experience?

Smegs - nausea and diarrhoea are common side effects (as is flatulence - just lovely :D). Usually you are placed on a lower dose that gets increased so the side effects and symptoms are lessened. The symptoms are usually short lived and settle after a week or so. Some people are more sensitive to it than others too.

There are 2 theories on metformin in pregnancy. Some of the studies indicate a lower miscarriage rate for those who remain on metformin but yet others indicate there is no need to remain on metformin once pregnant. Do a google search (there are some of the journal articles available on line) and read through so you can check with your Ob/gyn at your next appointment. The better informed you are the more freely and confidently you can discuss the options with your care provider.

Good luck for tomorrow too :hugs:

Adjusting to metformin can be rough.

It is vital that you start with a low dose and increase it gradually. Only increase doses when you are fine with the dose you are on - don't stick strictly with a schedule you have been given if things aren't going well.

I've found that eating low carb/low GI is an absolute must while on metformin. After being on it since March, the only times I have troubles are when I've been eating badly - too many carbs, etc. The other thing I've found that really helps is aloe vera capsules. I didn't realise just how much they helped until I ran out and suffered badly.

BW

Taking Metformin with food will help with the symptoms.

smegs I took metformin for 4 months before concieving, I started on low dose 1 tablet a day for 2 weeks in conjuction you should eat low GI otherwise the symptoms you mention above will get worse and also avoid cheese it made me soo ill. I was told by my fertility specialist to stop metformin at 7 weeks, however I do have a friend who took metformin throughout her pregnancy and has a healthy baby too!

Bel
xxx

ARGH! Getting used to metformin sure puts you through the wringer! It's got it's own kind of morning sickness and also I barely could get off the toilet for the first month on it (sorry if TMI).

I found in particular any kind of alchol made me much sicker, there was no way I could metabolize it. I only had alcohol once a week, and on metformin that wasnt even going to happen.

I handled protein much better than anything else, all other foods seemed to go straight through. Pasta was especially bad.

I found almonds and macadamias really good. I have a labour job, so I really need to eat well and a lot to get me through the day, and I found nuts were one thing I tolerated quite well.

It does settle down, especially if you work up slowly.

hmmm metformin for me never settled down. maybe i should go on again and strictly monitor my diet...

Ill try the aloe vera capsules too!!!

I got 2 different responses with takin metformin, my Ob/Gyn told me to take it as it decreses the risk of misscarriage, but my GP said not to...

I stopped taking it simply because it messed around with my intestines and i didnt need that added worry to go with the horrible morning sickness i had.

Some GPs don't have the updated information on how metformin is used in PCOS. Mine told me to stop if I did fall pregnant, but my gyn told me to stay on. I have a friend who is in the final stages of studying to be a gyn/obs, and she also told me to stay on if I do fall pregnant - it's new research and hasn't yet filtered through to all areas of medicine.

BW

yeah i read it online.

HI All !!
I have recently started to take met again after having my baby. I decided to get back on slowly this time, when I first went on it my gyn put me straight to 3 tabs a day... :eek:
I have also found from last time that I have to by very careful about what I eat while taking metformin, any kind of carbs/sugar didnt agree with me. It was the same with alcohol... I havent really had a drink for about a yr and a half because of it!!!
Re stayin on it in pregnancy.... My gyn told me to stay on it for 12 weeks as it reduces the risk of mc.. my sister recently fell preg and stopped taking met and she lost the babies (was preg with twins)... dont know if stopping the met was the reason but could have been.......
Smegs, ask ur gyn why he told u not to take it and if it helps, print some of the articles u read that said to continue with the tabs and tale them in for ur next appointment. You can then have a discussion about it....

Hi girls,

I saw an IVF specialist who put me on Metformin both him and my OB only wanted me to stay on Metformin up to 7 weeks of my pregnancy to lower risk of miscarriage.

I do have a friend who stayed on Met for the whole of the pregnancy and her baby is healthy and fine too :)

Bel
xxx