Am on Metformin, does it work?

[eightiesfun]

My partner and I have been trying to have a child for the past. Blood tests have show that I am not ovulating. Have been but on Metformin. Does any one have experience of taking this medicaton and should I be asking my doc to put me on Clomid. Thanks.

[Cloudyrain]

Met is often given to women with anovulation caused by pcos, diabetic-related illnesses, or weight issues, I've not used it personally, but know lots of ladies on the Verity website have used it.

Clomid is often prescribed by the hospitals fertility department, but a few GPs might prescribe it occasionally in certain areas.

Good luck x

[eightiesfun]

Thanks Cloudyrain for the reassurance.

eightiesfun

[paeroking]

Hiya I am on metformin for pco's, my symptoms have eased but I havnt had any follow up appointments or scans for pco's, I was recommended to stop metformin for Ivf therefore my symptoms returned and scans showed pco's but since failed Ivf I'm back on metformin prescribed by gp, I havnt seen any consultant what so ever since embryo transfer. I think the metformin has helped pco's even tho I havnt had scan to prove it.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Eightiesfun. I don’t know if you know much about how Metformin works, but I will explain as simply as I can, with apologies if you already know. People who are diabetic (I realise you are not) - are treated in 3 different ways – diet, tablets (Metformin) or insulin injections. Women who are not ovulating properly and/or do not have regular periods and who are overweight, are often prescribed Metformin. The reason being is that they often have an excess of insulin in their body cells. Because of this the glands in the brain that control ovulation, the pituitary and the hypothalamus cannot get their message through to the ovaries to get them to ovulate properly. Metformin “mops up” the excess insulin to allow the messages to get through. Often it can regulate periods, but ovulation still does not occur. This is when a drug called Clomid is often introduced as well to hopefully ensure ovulation occurs. Metformin allows Clomid to do its job more efficiently.

It all sounds very complicated, but the mechanics of the idea work well. Of course this treatment does not work with every woman, and there is always the possibility that IVF or similar treatments may be required. Hope this helps. Kind regards Diane

[eightiesfun]

Hi Diane,

Thank you very much for the helpful explanation. Hopefully Met will do the trick for me.

Kind regards,

eighties fun