Spironolactone and metformin

[janbabe123]

I've just started taking this for suspected PCOS (although not 100% confirmed). Does anyone have any experience of this/advice? thanks

[tanyasbaby8]

I am on the same drug as you for confirmed PCOS. My advice is to make sure you take it as advised. I have to take it three times a day and in the beginning was really forgetful. It did bung me up a bit at the beginning to but that soon passed. It is a slight appetite suppresser too so don't be surprised if you lose weight. Last thing don't be surprised if when you tell medical professionals including dentist that you are on Metformin they ask you if you are a diabetic as the main use for the drug is for diabetes.

Good luck with them.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi janbabe123. 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 might not be) - 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. Not too sure why you have been prescribed spironolactone. Hope this helps. Diane