Metformin experiences

[Becem92]

Hi all,

Hoping for some advice/experiences.

I have been diagnosed “unexplained” however I do seem to have lots of follicles in my ovaries and although I don’t have any other typical “PCOS” symptoms, my new specialist seems to think as I am so active/fit I have masked the other symptoms and I may be insulin resistant but just not realise! I still ovulate and have regular cycles but we have never had a BFP in 2 years

My new specialist has advised that he would like me to start on Metformin and I don’t know why but I’m just nervous.

I think last year was such a rollercoaster with 2 IUIs and 3 IVFs which one ended up ectopic and the loss of a tube that maybe it’s just the thought of more treatment that scares me and not the Metformin?

I’ve also read so much about the tummy issues that comes with it. Has anyone started Metformin who doesn’t have obvious insulin resistance symptoms? How did you find it? Did it help?

My dream would be to start it and fall pregnant naturally, but I know that’s wishful thinking on this TTC journey lol!

Thanks for listening. Baby dust to you all x

[soccerkt6]

Hi lovely, I would consider trying myo-inositol before jumping on board with the metformin, especially since you don’t have a clear-cut case of PCOS. There’s plenty of research showing that myo-inositol is as effective as metformin for reducing insulin resistance, without all the weird side effects. Inofolic Alpha is a good brand xx

[Natasha2012 in reply to soccerkt6]

I’m taking myo insitol alongside 1000mg of Metformin a day , you can take both together . I also recommend slow release . It doesn’t give you a bad tummy x

[FlowerGem115]

Hello,

I took metformin with my last cycle last year and it definitely does a bit of a number on your tummy but I found that I needed to increase the dosage really slowly, so 1 tablet for a week, then 2 for a week. I then dropped back to 1 for a few days as I felt it was too much. I did make it to 3 tablets a day for a bit but my average was 2.

I didn't have obvious insulin resistance either i think just something on a blood test was a little higher than they would like, diabetes checks all good, bmi 20, active (ish!) But I do have a sweet tooth! That cycle did implant and it could well have helped. It didn't work out but I suspect I may take it again on next cycle.

Hope that helps xx

[SquishyBean]

I was prescribed the slow release form as the consultant said people have less side effects on it, and I've had none at all! That's interesting that your new doctor thinks that. Have you had your testosterone or AMH tested?

For me myo inositol did nothing, and my testosterone levels actually rose over the 3 months I was taking it. Metformin made a massive difference though, and I went from having 1 period in 6 months to having predictable normal cycles with ovulation. Also my AMH went from 205 to 45.

[Natasha2012 in reply to SquishyBean]

Slow release has zero side effects - much better ! X

[Becem92]

thank your for you reply’s.

I did wonder about too about myo-inositol but he never mentioned it. He specialises in PCOS and he is extremely knowledgeable so I do think I may just be being sensitive.

I had my AMH done last year and it was “normal” for my age. I am having my screening bloods re done this week as it has been 12 months since. All my tests always come back normal which is what concerns me but then I think he wouldn’t suggest it if it wasn’t going to help?

So much information and too many things to think about! We really do put ourselves through it! X

[Natasha2012]

would highly recommend Metformin. I had PCOS in my twenties . Metformin made me ovulate and I had children off the back of it which I credit to it . I don’t think it helps everyone but absolutely worth a go . I have secondary infertility now and Metformin unfortunately isn’t helping me now as my AMH is low . Give it a go ❤️ xxxx

[Natasha2012]

just to add my testosterone was high back then . X

[CarlottaD27]

hello, just sharing my experiences as I, like you, had some PCOS signs (high AMH, lots of follicle) but ovulated regularly and didn’t fit all the criteria.

I tried metformin but it didnt go down well - my ovulation was delayed by about five days that month (when it’s usually v regular) and it gave me uncontrollable diarrhoea! My specialist agrees that since I ovulated, and often metformin is given to help balance hormone levels to induce ovulation, it wasn’t worth the disruption for me.

So it may be worth trying as of course everyone reacts differently, but it my case (as someone who ovulates anyway) it was no silver bullet x

[Horselover1234]

Hiya

I also have PCOS and insulin resistance but I never really suffered from it. I am lean and quite fit. When I started metformin after just a month I started having regular cycles. I’ve been on it for over a year now and I finally got pregnant last month. I plan to continue taking it through pregnancy and then try a more ‘natural’ alternative after that. It never gave me real tummy issues or anything. At one point it messed with my appetite, but I lowered the dosage and slowly built it back up