PCOS, TTC & Metformin

[Butterfly2000]

Hi, I was diagnosed with pcos over 10yrs ago although the GP said it was mild. Ultrasound was normal, but I struggle with my weight, acne and body hair (thank god for laser!)
I was prescribed Metformin a few years ago but took it sporadically but it did make my periods come back. Stopped bc in Jan and my periods have been regular for the first time in my life, about 25 days. I ovulate on cd10/11. I've restarted the Metformin this month and now up to 2000mg the last 2 days. CD 11 and my lh is still really low. I'm having some twinges today. Is it possible that the Metformin has shifted my ovulation or maybe it's just an anovulatory cycle? Am going to try and see the GP again for more tests. Also wondering how others have got on with ttc and Metformin

I was recently prescribed Metformin (well, Glucophage but I think it’s the same) - I have PCOS and do not ovulate and we are currently TTC. Unfortunately, I didn’t get on with it at all - two weeks of severe nausea and I gave up (so
well done you for persisting). I’m also taking clomid, however, and I’ve actually had a positive result on an OPK this morning so that’s definitely worked.

I would definitely see the GP again and tell them you don’t think you’re ovulating - the blood test to check is really easy and then they can consider Clomid or similar if needed.

Im also taking a supplement called Inofolic Alpha which was recommended by the clinic I’m a patient with - it’s expensive but maybe worth investing for a few months whilst TTC?

Good luck!

Ive been taken metformin for years for PCOS and you do need to take it regularly and consistently as it can take several months to build up to full effect. So if this is only the first month, i wouldnt worry too much and would give it a bit longer to take effect.

If you are having bad side effects, you can ask for a slow release version, which is more gentle on the stomach.

Thank you both @CrispAppleStrudels @DoloresOnTheDottedLine for replying it's super helpful to be able to talk to others ttc and taking Metformin. I've been taking it most of this year but haven't been particularly consistent till now. I will definitely see the GP and will probably have blood tests done privately too to keep an eye on things. I've been taking the inofolic for a few months.
It just worried me as since coming off bc I've had ovulation pain, positive opks and sometimes ewcm every month. I think I'm already on the slow release thankfully, will double check as I don't really gey any side affects, just the occasional grumble tummy especially if I stop for a couple of days. Hopefully I'll just ovulate a bit later this cycle. How long have you both been ttc? x

I didn’t get on with metformin and switched to taking myo-inositol instead. It’s a natural supplement that has the same effect.

It could be the metformin causing you to ovulate a little later this month or like you say it could be anovulatory cycle but I guess it’s hard to know until your next cycle. I conceived several times with myo-inositol btw and have two little ones.

@Butterfly2000 First time around i took it for 2years and ended up conceiving DD1 with letrozole. But i started taking it a few months before beginning TTC as ive had my diagnosis of PCOS for around 10yrs now.

This pregnancy i was back on metformin for around 8months (its not advised to take when bfing so I stopped for a couple of years during and after my first pregnancy) plus i lost over 10% of my body weight and conceived DC2 naturally.

Thanks for this thread guys

Very interesting

Im starring slow release metformin soon

As above poster mentioned. Buy some myo-innistol as well/instead.

Metformin did nothing for me. After no periods for a year. I took myo innistol for a month and had a period then had a regular cycle. Concieved easily. Its a simple supplement. Obviously as doctors make no money from it its not mentioned enough. But if you do a pubmed search you''ll find a growing amount of research supporting it.

My consultant said to take inofolic

I have so many heath conditions - im following their advice to a tee

We did concieve naturally ( no meds even)
But was early miscarriage

Latest transvaginal scan showed polycystic ovaries..
I get chin hair thats regular waxed

I do get reg periods
They are mainly 30 - 34 day ish cycles nowadays

Im.37..

Will see what happens

Thank you though

They are re testing a bunch of hormones
Also cortisol , feretin ; crp etc tomo am

How did you get on, @Butterfly2000 ? Hope things are going well for you.

Very happy to say I'm pregnant @DoloresOnTheDottedLine Don't quite know what did it, my partner and I had both made changes. How are you doing?

Congrats - lovely news

One thing id encourage anyone with pcos and not yet concieved to do is check 9 am cortisol

Mines being investigated

@Butterfly2000 that’s really great news - big congratulations!! I am too actually- it was definitely the Clomid that made all the difference for me. How many weeks are you? Hope you’re feeling well and fingers crossed for a smooth pregnancy.

Thank you both x

I didn't have my cortisol tested but have been worried for the last few years that it might be high due to my stress levels. Glad yours is being investigated @worldwidetravel2017

At @DoloresOnTheDottedLine congratulations to you too! Lovely news, so glad the clomid worked for you. I'm 17 weeks now

Yeah.. my cortisol is basically low ...