Metforminn with pcos

[Hands2015]

So the dr said I should trail 3 months of metformin to reduce weight ( to be eligible for ivf) and as it increases ovulation

I've been on the old internet and there seems to be an influx of things warning against metformin and advocating natural ways instead

Just wondering if anyone else has been down this path and if they could share their experience / thoughts ? X

[Saya85]

Hi,

Metformin is used for diabetics so as a medication it’s not ‘unsafe’ and will regulate insulin levels which PcOS patients often have resistant to (sorry if I’m repeating what you already know)

However some people can get digestive issues with it, hair loss and a side effect can be vit b12 depletion so you have to prep against that. Glucophage is a slow release version of metformin that sometimes makes it easier to settle into.

However inofollic (basically inositol and folic acid) has been shown to be very effective, sometimes equal/better than metformin and is more of a natural alternative too as inositol is found in some foods I believe.

Certainly there are many other ways of controlling insulin resistance and you would be best to follow dietary advice anyway even if on meds. Low carb, good fat and high protein diet is best. And of course avoiding sugar.

Hopefully a combination of things may help- you can wean yourself off metformin pretty quickly- so if you want to give it a try and it helps you but you then feel your diet is better you can ease off the meds.

[E_05]

Hi I’ve been on metformin 3x a day for 6 months now and the last 3 months I’ve ovulated - I never had before. I think it’s definitely worth a try just bare in mind it can affect your bowels in the beginning but it does level out xx

[shel81]

Hi. I've just started taking metformin before I start IVF treatment in the next month or so. It can also help reduce the risk of OHSS, prep your lining and support early pregnancy so I feel lucky to have been prescribed it. I'll eventually be on 2000mg and I'm building up. Currently got to 1000mg and I won't lie, the first week your body gets used to the new dose I felt sick and very tired. It does pass though and the added benefit is you lose weight without trying! X