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Women's health

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Does metformin get better?

4 replies

seabreeze26 · 18/08/2026 21:20

Rant incoming - just feel at a loss atm!!

I have had a PCOS diagnosis for 5 years, and it has been a very difficult journey. Have been involved with a consultant endocrinologist for 3 years, but the one I was originally being treated by is no longer working in the area so I have been passed from pillar to post since. My most recent hospital appointment was a few weeks ago and the doctor I had really rubbed me up the wrong way - told me to pick 3 of the most prevalent symptoms to discuss, mentioned the severe back pain I get and she instantly shut me down and said it wasn’t relevant (GP has previously said otherwise). I also mentioned having severe period like pains and other pms symptoms but no period and she laughed?? I also had all of the tests for cushings with the original consultant and he was happy to rule it out, this new cohort aren’t happy and want all of the tests done again.

the outcome of that appointment was to double my metformin dosage (500mg twice a day) for a month and then move up to 3 times a day after that. I was only a few days into taking it twice and couldn’t look at or smell food without feeling like I was going to spew, food felt like it was coming back up after I ate. (Have already tried taking it before during and after meals). It got to the point where even the sweet smell of perfume was making me feel sick.

Relayed this issue back to the hospital and they basically said to suck it up, crush the tablets and take them with a gulp of food, and basically that I have no other treatment options. Also wouldn’t offer me the extended release when I asked for it. This doctor said I will get used to it after a few weeks.

I’m feeling really shit about the whole thing, the cushings is just creating another bigger issue that I don’t want to have to worry about, feel like I’m begging for help between all of these doctors and nobody is that willing to give it. Has anyone found they eventually adjusted to metformin? Will it actually get better after taking it for a while?

Any advice welcome

OP posts:
Saraht1991 · 18/08/2026 21:22

I got put on metformin for PCOS and I similarly felt absolutely horrendous!! I managed to speak to a kind doctor who put me on the slow release instead and that was so much better! My advice is to try and keep pushing for the slow release. I think it’s quite a bit more expensive which is why they will not prescribe it without a fight!

Victorius19 · 18/08/2026 21:22

I was on Metformin for diabetes and it gave me the most horrendous gastric issues. Eventually they moved me onto another drug.

You can get a slow/modified release version that isn't as rough on your stomach, are you on that one? Maybe worth trying if not.

seabreeze26 · 18/08/2026 21:26

Victorius19 · 18/08/2026 21:22

I was on Metformin for diabetes and it gave me the most horrendous gastric issues. Eventually they moved me onto another drug.

You can get a slow/modified release version that isn't as rough on your stomach, are you on that one? Maybe worth trying if not.

I asked for it and they refused - the last doctor I spoke to said I just have a sensitive throat and it won’t help my case. Wasn’t getting the point across that the issue is they are making the food come back up not that I’m gagging from trying to swallow the tablet 🙄

OP posts:
Romancingthestone · 19/08/2026 23:35

I fought to go back on metformin after a hospital surgeon said I wasn’t a diabetic in remission after they fought to save my lower leg from amputation just a year ago. Horrible times when it happens and you think you are in best of health.

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