TTC metformin

[Midsizegal29]

Hi everyone!

I was diagnosed with PCOS aged 14 and was on the pill for the next year 15 years. After trying various contraception pills and suffering increased migraines, the contraceptive nurse at my GP surgery suggested no more hormonal contraceptives and to try metformin as a way to regulate my cycle, and because my DH and I were thinking about starting a family of our own.

I’ve been taking metformin 500mg three times a day since October 2021 (mostly regularly) and have had a bleed almost every month, which is amazing as when I’ve not been on BC before, I just don’t have a period.

In the last few months we have really started TTC and I’ve been really on it with taking the metformin. I’m not expecting anything to happen, but have no idea what to expect. If I were to conceive, would the metformin continue to make me have a bleed of some sort? Or would I “miss” a period in the traditional sense, which could indicate a pregnancy? I’m aware this might be a stupid question but as my cycle has always been so irregular I have no idea what to expect.

I’m fully expecting to have to go down the IVF route (as I’m certain I’m not going to be lucky enough to fall pregnant naturally) but we have officially been trying for 4 months and nothing so far!

Any advice from fellow PCOS sufferers who have conceived with metformin greatly appreciated!

PCOS messes with your hormone levels and can have a similar effect to T2 diabetes, hence why metformin can bring back cycles. I was have 2 periods a year - 2000mg of metformin (so 2x 500mg tablets twice a day) did bring back my periods. However, i still wasnt ovulating. OPKs don't really work with PCOS but you can ask for a blood test to check for ovulation on around day 21 of your cycle (presuming a day 14 ovulation).

For me, the metformin didnt work so for most PCOS sufferers the next step is not IVF, but something called ovulation induction. You take tablets during your period and it induces ovulation 10days later. The drug that GPs prescribe is called clomid but there is a better version called letrozole that fertility clinics can prescribe. After you've taken it, you can be monitored with scans and blood tests to check for ovulation. The monitoring is really important because there are some serious side effects you can have so important to ask for them. If you have ovulated but are not pregnant, then your next period will come. If you don't get a period, then do a pregnancy test. You can just keep taking the metformin and then i saw a consultant midwife who advised me when to stop.

If you are over 35 then i would go to your GP and ask to be referred to the fertility clinic - we had to wait a few months for the appointment. DH also had to give a sample just to make sure there were no issues on his side. We needed to take the letrozole + monitoring for 3 cycles (i was 35) before conceiving DD but i know people who were able to conceive on the first try.

Good luck! Def worth trying for a referral to a specialist and lots of PCOS sufferers can go on to have a family so don't lose hope 💐