Suspected endo and PCOS - can you get treatment?

[Ka-La]

Hi

I have recently had a "possible diagnosis" (they don't want to say for sure) for PCOS and endometriosis. I have seen very clear cysts in both of my ovaries and I have gained 20kg despite the fact I regularly train and my nutrition is very good

I heard metformin might help but how do I go about it? Do GPs even prescribe it?? Supposedly dermatologists do, but I have no dermatology-related symptoms

Any pointers would be helpful

[NevBean]

I'm pretty sure metformin is a blood thinner? Not sure how that would help, but I'm not a doctor. They normally advise hormonal contraception for endo, I've been on the combined pill for 10 years and this has helped massively with my pain - hence why I got diagnosed with stage 4 endo last week! Only definitive way to diagnosed and see how bad it us is a diagnostic laparoscopy through gynaecology. Your GP should be able to make that referal

[Kirsty360]

Metformin is a type 2 diabetes drug so not entirely sure where it would link to treating endo/pcos either, same though, I'm not a GP.My pointer would be to go see your GP and ask for a referral to a gynae and discuss options. They may know more about metformin, but can't harm to ask I guess.

[Mammyof2gals]

Metformin was a game changer for me I've suffered from pcso since 16 I'm now 34 I don't think I would have had children if it wurn for taking them also helps everything els with pcso.. Dr can give them to you.ive also just been diagnosed with posable endometriosis

[Ka-La in reply to Mammyof2gals]

thank you so much for this! That's what I heard from others too and wanted to confirm it's actually helping

[Chel91]

Metformin is commonly prescribed for PCOS, your GP probably will prescribe, but it's newer so some might not be familiar. Also doing a ketogenic diet can massively improve symptoms and restore period regularity. PCOS is closely linked with insulin pathways.

Metformin won't help with period or general pelvic pain though. If that is something you are dealing with? xx

[h0lli3]

Also on metformin for pcos for 8 years (and have endo, adeno, and other cysts). Prescribed by my GP with a letter from gynae clinic at the local hospital. Metformin really helped keep my cycle regular and give releif of pms symptoms which seemed to be all the time without metformin. For skin I use freederm which has helped ( aimed at teens but works for me!) Also train but struggle with weight. Low FODMAP diet helps endo belly ( inflammation and bloating) but really just calorie deficit is easiest for me, without restrictions of what calories I'm consuming. Weight loss will be slow but will improve your symptoms. It's common to hear metformin improves weight loss, this doesn't happen for me as weight loss with pcos is always slow going.

[Mammyof2gals]

Doctors/gynaecologist prescribed metformin for me. Xx