Metformin for PCOS for acne and hirsutism

[Aliye]

Hi everyone. I have PCOS and I have given metformin, but my main concern is acne and hirsutism (excess hair growth). Does anyone use metformin with these concerns and saw any improvement? Thank you

[Hols969]

Were you tested for insulin resistant prior to being put on it? It is primarily a diabetes drug and not licenced for pcos unless you are IR.

[Aliye in reply to Hols969]

Hi, no they actually didn’t test my insulin levels but I think pcos makes you at risk of diabetes so they give it anyway, they told me it’s a very safe drug to use but I’m just not too sure if it will actually work for my concerns

[Missy100]

It doesn't treat acne or excessive hair growth. It is used to help regulate weight in PCOS.

I was given a water tablet (I can't recall the name off hand as it has been a number of years) which helps some sufferers with increasing hair growth (it doesn't reverse already existing hair growth) but I did not find it helped me with this. Others, however, had success with it.

For existing hair growth there is really just the usual hair removal options (shaving, waxing, plucking, etc) or you could look at laser hair removal for a more permanent solution for existing hair growth.

As for acne I would ask to be referred to a dermatologist.

Good Luck, I hope you find solutions that work for you.

[Aliye in reply to Missy100]

Hi thank you for your response. I’ve been doing laser for almost 6 years and hair just grows back within a months so it’s costing me a lot of money as laser treatments are very expensive. I know that contraceptive pills also help with hirsutism but I don’t want to take them so I’m trying to find an alternative treatment

[Shikha21]

Hello Aliye, my condition is same as yours but my gyno suggested me metformin to control my access insulin hormone. She says it is due to PCOS condition, the body generate access insulin which could drag us to type 2 diabetic.