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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

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Original poster

Just started Metformin- feeling down and confused

28 replies

pandaeyes · 12/09/2006 21:25

Hi ladies, this is just a rant really but am feeling fed up today .

We have been ttc no.2 for 5 cycles. I went to the fertility clinic after only 4 cycles because when ttc no.1 I had long cycles (45-60 days) and I wanted things checked out. The clinic did a scan, diagnosed PCOS and prescribed metformin as my cycles are still a bit long 33-35 days.

However, I definitely ovulate every month (confirmed by blood test my progesterone was 60 on 7dpo), I have 1 or 2 +OPK's each cycle, I have a 14 day LP, I am not overweight, no excess hair, no acne.

So, I'm just feeling uncertain that metformin will benefit me at all and I DO NOT want to take it unless it is right for me because it is already upsetting my tummy etc. That would be ok if I wasn't ovulating and the drug was solving it but thats not the case! Their is no incentive for me at the moment. I'm wondering whether to phone the clinic and discuss this with them tomorrow (if they will over the phone). They don't know the results of the 7dpo test.

Thanks for reading. I probably made no sense at all but feel better for writing it down!

OP posts:

incy · 13/09/2006 13:33

Pandaeyes - I was diagnosed with PCOs at 18 - I am a slim size 8 and always have been, no body hair and no acne. I even got pregnant with DS1 on the pill. However I am having massive problems ttc with number 2 - I was told not everybody has full PCOS symptoms. I would say if you really are not happy then carry on as you were for a few more months and then consider treatment. It is your body.

Original poster

pandaeyes · 13/09/2006 17:16

Thanks incy. I have decided to phone the clinic tomorrow. I have had awful stomach cramps all day from the metformin and I can't get on with things I need to do. It's not fair on DS. If I was taking metformin as part of an IVF cycle, then I can see a true purpose for it (and willing to put up with the side effects). Whereas as far as I can see, metformin is used to make people ovulate and make their cycles more regular (I don't have a problem with these things at the moment) so their is very little incentive for me. It all seems a bit wooly iykwim

OP posts:

incy · 13/09/2006 19:45

I think if you should do what is right for you - not sure how old you are but I think the recommended time ttc before intervention is about 6 months if you are older than 35 and a year if you are under. I know you have PCOS but if you would feel happier it may be worth trying without it for a little bit longer - if at any time you change your mind you can always try metformin again... good luck

suejoneziscalmernow · 13/09/2006 19:49

there are VERY STRONG indications that metformin helps the action of fertility drugs if you have pcos (even lean PCOS). The tummy upsets do settle down wihtin a couple of weeks. Please persevere, you will always wonder if it would have made the difference otherwise.

My advice is to cut down on the fat - I found high fat foods and things with a lot of dairy or mayonnaise.

suejoneziscalmernow · 13/09/2006 19:51

believe me, if metformin works even with the stomach cramps, you will have got away lightly vs fertility drugs or full scale IVF.

suejoneziscalmernow · 13/09/2006 19:56

And of course it is your body but thats very easy to say when you have not failed to conceive due to PCOS - by the end I would have taken cocaine if they had said it would improve my chances! Metformin is such a small thing in the big wide sub-fertility world that I wouldn't like you to be throwing away an "easy" choice and end up with only the harder solutions.

I know I sound desperate to convince you and it really is your choice at the end of the day but I wish someone had screamed similar things to me five years ago - who knows if it wold have made the difference in my case but you have the chance to find out...

Original poster

pandaeyes · 13/09/2006 20:33

Incy- I am 30 and am now onto cycle 6 ttc no.2. Yes, I did rush to the fertility clinic early because when I was ttc no.1 I had 45-60 day cycles. They did a scan back then and thought I had pcos but weren't sure. Anyway I fell pg that cycle (cycle 4).

Sue - I'm sorry, I'm probably feeling v. sorry for myself. I know met is probably an easy option. I have just convinced myself this will not work. I keep thinking if I am this stressed taking this drug, I will never get pg on it.

I am confused on the diet side of things. I have been following a low carb, high protein diet and cutting out refined sugar/ processed things. I didn't realise high fat was a problem too, not that I have a lot of it. I need some inspiration for meal ideas!

OP posts:

suejoneziscalmernow · 13/09/2006 20:54

don;t get stressed out by the diet just eat a nice healthy diet, don't do low carb just try to cut down on the very refined carbs. I only tell you what yused to exaggerate symptoms and in my case it was definitely fat not carbs. I promise you the stomach cramping and runs will calm down - try to talk them afetr food but not an enormous meal.

I promise, promise, promise it will calm down - honest guv!

AttilaTheMeerkat · 14/09/2006 06:44

Panadeyes,

Collette Harris (I think its her) has written a cookbook for PCOSers. Infact she has written a couple of books for women with PCOS now.

I would try and follow a low GI/GL eating plan instead of low carb because both of these are more sustainable to stick with in the medium term too. PCOSers doing low carb does not work very well, also its very hard to stick to.

I have no personal experience of Metformin but know of many women who have taken it. The side effects you mention are common with Metformin but it does get better over time.

Did you look at Verity's website?

incy · 14/09/2006 10:53

Bless you, could your husband/parner help you decide? It sounds like people find the drug really yucky at first but it settles down soon...I too have been ttc for 6 months with no luck and PCOs so am having a similar dilema as you so I know it is not easy. If husband/partner not an option perhaps a friend could advise or perhaps the doctor can put you in contact with someone who has had a similar experience who could reassure you. Remember ultimately it is your decision but other people can perhaps offer the benefit of their experience..

incy · 14/09/2006 10:53

alexh · 14/09/2006 11:26

I too have just started on Metformin - been on it just over a week. the first few days were awful but it soon settled down. Interestingly I forgot to take a pill yesterday and all the crapms/upset stomach came back - seems that your system adjusts this way both going on to the drug and coming off the drug

I have PCOS and irregular cycles and insulin resistance. My consultant is Lesley regan who is utterly fantastic. Whilst I think she thinks I may need Clomid and potetially other measures, she thinks I have nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain. Hope this helps

Original poster

pandaeyes · 14/09/2006 13:37

Thanks so much ladies. ATM- Ihave looked briefly at Verity but will go back for a proper look. I will definitely get the Harris book and am willing to follow any diet if it lessens the symptoms.

incy- dh wants me to persevere I think but is supportive either way. He'd rather I gave up than be upset all the time. Have you been offered any meds?

My plan is to just do the best I can on these tablets. If I can only deal with 1 a day then so be it. My clinic info says 'even if you are only taking 1 or 2 tabs a day, there will still be a benefit', or words to that effect. I have a lot on in the next 4 weeks and won't be able to dissapear to the bathroom whenever. So, after that I will try and get the dosage up. Also, I have a HyCosy scan next Fri so I may have some more info then about how bad my ovaries look and if there are any probs with my tubes or fibroids etc.

OP posts:

incy · 14/09/2006 14:23

Pandaeyes I am thinking of going in but like you I have a DS (2) and I am concerned that I won't be able to cope (I am a wimp!) I was hoping to conceive naturally as I did with DS and will give it a few more months (although time is ticking on as I am nearly 35.) There is an article in this weeks Ok magazine p 137 (with Nikki and Pete from BB on front) re how to beat PCOS and gives general pointers such as suggested dietry changes (mentions Colette Harris book) important supplements and lifestyle changes which could help when ttc. Also gives two websites verity site and pcosupport

Original poster

pandaeyes · 14/09/2006 22:33

thanks incy- I have bought the mag and just ordered 2 Harris books online. I wonder is Jools Oliver had met or comid?! You're not a wimp for not going to the clinic yet. Anyway, if I can put up with these met tabs, anyone can! I'm not sure the clinic would have given me met if they knew I had only tried for 4 cycles! Now, I am just seeing putting up with met as a stepping stone to them giving me a met/ clomid combo and hopefully a better chance of a BFP. Lots of good luck to you- I hope you get there naturally

OP posts:

incy · 15/09/2006 08:27

Thanks Pandaeyes and let us know how you get on - I am sure it will all seem worth it when we are holding new babies !

Original poster

pandaeyes · 15/09/2006 20:36

suejonez...- Are you still around? Just wanted to say thanks so much for enlightening me about avoiding fats, not carbs . I have eaten my normal amount of carbs for the last 2 days but been v. strict with fatty stuff. I definitely feel much better.

OP posts:

suejoneziscalmernow · 16/09/2006 08:48

you're welcome - no-one told me and I wish they had. I don't know why it worked but even now, I find that too much fat can still cause cramps occasionally. Good luck with it, I hope it works for you, but you have plenty of options to try yet nd you have age on your side so don't get too fed up yet...

Original poster

pandaeyes · 18/09/2006 20:42

sue- lol, why does everything say to be careful with carbs- most unhelpful! Yes, I get stomach cramps if I eat too much fatty stuff even when NOT on metformin. Are you still taking it? I am day 3 of 2 tablets (1000mg) and so far so good- no side effects!

OP posts:

suejoneziscalmernow · 18/09/2006 22:39

I'm back on it also 1000mg have been for the past month but keep forgetting to take the damn things

alexh · 26/09/2006 21:42

Some encouragement for all you Metformin takers with PCOS/Insulin resistance - just got a BFP!!!!!!

YAYYYYYYYYYYY

ilovethebeach · 07/02/2010 22:27

Sorry to resurrect this but I am pandaeyes. I have just been searching on the archives for metformin and came across this old thread of mine.

The very happy ending of this story is that I got a BFP the very 1st month I took metformin (even though I made such a drama about taking the stuff) and have a lovely DD aged 2.5 now. Thought I should post incase anyone else in searching for 'metformin' on here.

I have also tonight started taking met again as ttc no.3 and no luck after 7 cycles (have again lied to the clinic and told them 13 cycles)!

LadyBee · 07/02/2010 23:12

Thanks so much for coming back and telling this story, ilovethebeach. I'm back on metformin while ttc no.2 and postive stories like this (and actually, my own for DS) are great incentive to keep taking the pills. I'm up to three a day now, but find it really hard to remember to take them at lunch.
Absolutely true about trying to keep to a low(er) fat diet, it definitely helps the tummy to settle. Also my GP said I could even start with 1/2 a pill and build up gradually with halves instead of wholes.
Fingers crossed metformin works its magic on me for a second time

LadyThompson · 08/02/2010 12:30

Are those suffering tummy troubles with it taking the slow release one? Also, it's a MUST to take it AFTER food and never on a empty stomach...

LadyThompson · 08/02/2010 12:33

Aha, just read to the end - congrats! I conceived on Metformin too.

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