Anyone taken metformin and not been diabetic?

[PinotGirl]

I have polycystic ovaries (which my doctor says should be called insulin resistance disorder) and am about to start metformin.

Anyone have any experience of using this? I've been warned it can be hard on the stomach.

I'm taking it in the hope that a) I can lose weight and b) it stops unwanted hair growth (on my face and neck - very unattractive and socially inhibiting).

[Frayedknot]

No Pinot, but bump for anyone who has.

I have PCOS and my hair growth has got much worse since DS was born. I am also fed up of not having a regular cycle. Does it help with that, do you know?

I have a gynae appointment on Friday and it's one of the things I am going to ask about.

My Dad developed type II diabtes a few years ago and originally started on metformin & I don;t think he had any problems with it.

When do you start taking it?

[PinotGirl]

Yes, frayedknot, it can help regulate periods along with weight loss and hair growth. My dr did point out that it may help with all of these complaints, just one or possibly none. Mine wasn't prescribed by my gynae but by an endocrinologist.

I'm starting it tomorrow as I just picked up my prescription today.

Let me know how your appointment goes on Friday.

[Frayedknot]

I have wondered for a while whether I should ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.

I have an under active thyroid, PCOS and some other odd symptoms too. Did you ask or did your GP suggest?

[PinotGirl]

I asked my gp for a referral and she did some research as to whether I went to the gynae or to the endocrinologist. Ended up seeing a wonderful dr (endocrinologist) who listened and was not at all judgmental. I feel positive about it all for the first time in a very long time.

I've also been tested for Cushings disease/disorder and I will get those results next Monday.

[blondehelen]

Just from a nurses perspective. If a patient is having persistant nausea or vomitting one of the main culprits is metformin. I have looked after a couple of people who have taken it so for youe reasons so you are not alone, but I think you probably should see a specialist about it. HTH

[PinotGirl]

BH, mine has been prescribed by my consultant. Have taken the first one this morning. I'm working up to a higher dose by taking 1 a day for 2 weeks then 2 a day for 3 weeks then 3 a day etc until I'm up to 4 a day. This is if I can tolerate the higher doses.

[CarolinaMoon]

yep, it's fab! I took it for PCOS, having not had a period for about 10months after coming off the Pill and by the next month I had a period and had lost about a stone. The month after that, ds was conceived .

I did a low-carb diet with it and didn't drink much alchohol (because it made me feel very light-headed very quickly). I did feel very low on energy occasionally, but generally much less sluggish.

[PinotGirl]

What about side effects, CM? Were they bad? I don't want to get pregnant but just want to lose some weight, feel better and stop the hair growth.

[Gobbledispook]

I know it is associated with gastric side effects but you won't necessarily experience them so just see how it goes.

[CarolinaMoon]

I didn't get the gastric side effects, just occasional days when I felt very weak physically in the first couple of weeks of taking it. Maybe that was because I wasn't eating many carbs (not full-on Atkins, just salads for lunch instead of sandwiches, no pasta etc).

In general I felt much better. I didn't have that many obvious symptoms, mainly spots on my back and a few pounds that I couldn't shed, but they improved very quickly. I was only on it for a few months though as was pg v soon. HTH a bit.

[Frayedknot]

Pinotgirl I saw a book in the library today by chance, called The PCOS Protection Plan, have you read it?

It's quite informative.
Hope the metformin is going down OK.

[PinotGirl]

It's only day 2 but so far so good. I'm also trying to reduce carbs but am more following the slimming world plan and just not having so many green days.

Frayedknot, I've not seen that book before but may have a look. I'm just tired of pco being responsible for so many things. I know it's a vicious circle in that if you lose weight the symptoms become less but it's the losing weight in the first place that has been difficult for me.

[PinotGirl]

Frayedknot, how did your appointment go on Friday?

[Frayedknot]

Hi Pinot

Thanks for asking, went OK, although didn;t really talk much about PCOS as I also have endometriosis and that was my primary reason for going. I have moved to a new area so this was first appt with new gynae.

He seemed OK and is sending for my notes from old gynae, I will have an ultrasound (waiting list is 2 months for that tho!) and then see him again in New Year with results of ultrasound.

How are you feeling on the metformin?

[Frayedknot]

Btw I am thinking of having some acupuncture as I had a few treatments before and it really helped regulate my cycle.

I had to stop as couldn;t really afford it but may give it another go.

[PinotGirl]

Oh right - well at least he's sending for you notes so maybe next time he'll ask about any other problems.

I feel fine and have had no side effects yet at all. In fact, I've already started my 2 a day routine as I feel fine. I can't see the harm. That said, not seeing any changes in anything else though which is the whole point.