Metformin

[AllyBell88]

How soon before cycle did you start metformin for egg quality? How long does it take to work?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi AllyBell88. 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 sometimes 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.

I hope this explains it a little. Diane

[AllyBell88 in reply to DianeArnold]

Hi Diane this is helpful thankyou, I have been prescribed it to help egg quality as I have polisistic ovaries -produce lots of poor quality eggs, I believe I do infact ovulate and don't present any of the syndrome symptoms. (We also have male factor . I was told 3 months metformin would be beneficial before my next cycle to improve the quality. Just started, hope it helps do u no how long it takes to work?

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to AllyBell88]

Hi Allybell88. Metformin doesn't have any effect on your egg quality unfortunately, but it does allow messages from your pituitary and hypothalamus glands in your brain to get through to your ovaries to encourage ovulation. Usually taken for 2-3 months or whatever your specialist advise, before the start of treatment, then the drugs prescribed during IVF/ICSI should have a better effect in producing extra good follicles on your ovaries, so that they will then be large enough to allow an egg to get inside each of them, ready for egg collection. However, if you have a problem with sperm count, motility and morphology, then I assume your specialist will advise you to have ICSI to maximise your chances of success. Good luck with it all, and I shall be thinking of you. Diane