Metformin

[frazzlerock]

I've been put on Metformin due to my PCOS symptoms suddenly going out of control lately. I'm on 500mg three times per day.
Since I've been on it I've been absolutely shattered. I'm grumpy and feel like I'm jetlagged or hungover constantly. I'm a very keen runner and can barely muster the energy to go for a run. I'm having to force myself, which is really getting me down as I adore it.

It might just be coincidence but I can't think of anything else that's changed.

Is this a known side effect of Metformin?

Hi Frazzlerock sorry I cannot help you but was wondering what your symptoms are that you are using metaformin.

I also have psos and have never been offered anything from my gp to help my condition other than metaforic acid for very painful periods.

I have been reading up about metaformin and see that it can help with weight loss I am very overweight with a lot of facial hair etc etc...

Please tell me more......

Hi
Sorry to hear that feel rubbish. I take met for PCOS and recall feeling very rubbish at the start. V tired, and very nauseous and "gastric". It all got better eventually but took time. I definately think it made me a bit more tired than usual but no majorly long term.

I've taken it for years now. So happy to help with any other questions.

All the best.

Hi

Twiggy - My symptoms are an abundance of hair all of a sudden, more so than usual (and I'm hairy enough!) I noticed loads of black hairs growing under my chin and down my neck which I never had before. In fact I'd just had my chin lasered when it started to grow down my neck. I was horrified and still am as it's still there.
I've been on Metformin for around two months now (I think) nausea was fine, nothing I couldn't handle and I take it with meals mostly so don't really get nauseous.
This crippling tiredness is just awful though. I can barely put one foot in front of the other!

Gingerbread - Has it helped with the symptoms? Do you remember how long it took for the hairyness to bugger off? I feel like such a freak

Thanks for your reply frazzlerock....I have also had laser treatment for my face it was wonderful getting rid of the thick black hair on my neck and face but unfortunately it is growing back so (sad) about that!!

Did you or Gingerbread have much period pain before taking the metaformin as this can sometimes be soooo painful for me?

And does it help with weight loss all my weight is around my stomach which makes me look permanently pregnant (though most definately not)?

Sorry for the twenty million questions but it is lovely to talk to someone else who has the same condition....thanks.......x

My mum takes Metformin for her diabetes and is constantly tired, lethargic, no energy. It's really affecting her quality of life TBH.

Twiggy

Endometriosis can be a common cause of very painful periods, particularly if this problem is ongoing. Its usually only diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

Metformin can be useful for PCOS patients but it won't address your painful periods.

Would ask your GP to refer you to a gynae; the cause of the painful periods needs to be determined properly. Many GPs can just mess around in ignorance when it comes to painful periods.

My chin hair is also growing back. Biggest waste of money ever. Although it's not growing back quite so stubbly as before (give it time I suppose )

I've heard Metformin is really good for weight loss. You should definitely talk to your GP. I didn't ask for Metformin, he suggested it after I refused to be put on the pill.
My only concern is excess hair. The downy hair I get on the side of my face is also getting darker and longer It's all just getting out of control and I'm utterly desperate for something to be done.
I don't have terribly painful periods, like you, although they can be really heavy (more so since having children).

Attila - I remember you from my PCOS thread 3/4 years ago. You were so very helpful when I was desperate for another baby. I now have wild 3 year old and not planning on any more (far too stressful)

Do you have any advice re hair growth?

Fayrazzled - How long has your mum been on Metformin? I don't know how much longer I can carry on feeling so exhausted and it's only been a couple of months. Although I'm sure I'm feeling worse and worse....

Frazzlerock I fortunately got my hair removal through the NHS thank goodness as sessions privately were at least £100 at time when I was getting mine done and I couldn't have afforded it otherwise.
I hope the metaformin settles through a bit of time for you frazzlerock as looking after a 3 yr old is tiring enough without feeling exhausted to begin with....

Atilla I will go and ask to get referred to gynae again it must have been at least fifteen years ago since I got a scan if I can remember correctly and got diagnosed with psos.
As I always had very bad period pain from when I was a teenager I am 41 now I assumed that this was just the case with me. I did have very heavy periods too but I got the mirena coil and that sorted that out as i have never been able to take any sort of contraceptive pill either.....

I also tried the vanqui cream too that is supposed to reduce hair growth on your face but it didn't work for me unfortunately....

I was on metformin a few years ago for PCOS (should stil be on it really but hate the stomach cramps). I can't remember being tired though. Have you just started to feel tired or have you been like this the full two months?

My GP said the NHS wouldn't pay for laser hair removal Maybe I should go back and demand it... Mind you, it clearly doesn't work as it's a constant fight against hormones. If they could just pay for a few sessions here and there to keep it under control then I'd be happy as it works in the short term.

Lego - I'm pretty sure my tiredness started once I began taking Metformin three times a day. I do think it's getting worse though. Today was awful. I managed to have a nap when the children were in bed this afternoon (I'm a Childminder) but was longing for my mindee to be picked up and my DS to go to bed so I could climb into bed. I'm struggling to keep my eyes open now and I should be training for my half marathons I've got coming up. It's ridiculous.

Hi
The met helped me only with getting a regular cycle and therefore helped me with pregnancy. I started taking it well before i wanted to TTC which helped so there wasnt any pressure.

I am a lean PCOS-er so the weight thing didnt happen. Didnt help hair noticeable. I too had laser but it didnt work that well if I am honest.

I dont think its fair to compare metformin in diabetes to using met for PCOS- the diabetes itself could be causing the lethargy rather than the drugs....

PS- no help or change with periods- as someone mentioned it doesnt do that.

Good luck

I went to the GP this afternoon and he said it won't be the Metformin making me tired, if anything it should give me more energy! That rules that out then.

So he's sending me for a blood test. Thyroid (I might need my meds changed), diabetes (unlikely, he thinks) and iron levels. Oh and he took my blood pressure too.

We shall see... Feeling a little bit more lively today after 12 hours sleep last night. Still had a pressure/tiredness headache this morning though.

Well at least thats good frazzlerock that its not the metaformin thats causing the tiredness but not so good you have to go through the other tests to find the cause...

Sorry for taking over your thread frazzlerock and thanks for your help...x

My dh had Metformin for diabetes and the only se he had was uncontrollable diarrhoea.

Don't be daft Twiggy! That's what MN's for, sharing problems and advice, non?
I hope your get your painful periods sorted out. Must be awful!

thegreylady - I had a very mild tummy ache to begin with but fine now. Your poor DH