Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Support Group
Polycythemia is a condition in which there is a net increase in the total circulating erythrocyte (red blood cell) mass of the body. Primary polycythemia occurs when excess erythrocytes are produced as a result of a proliferative abnormality of the bone marrow. Secondary polycythemia is caused by increases of erythropoietin that result in an increased production of...
I learned these things from an Endocrine Biologist who has PCOS and has made it her life's work.
Birth control pills basically shut down the reproductive system so they can take over. They mask PCOS symptoms but do not actually do anything to help PCOS. The channels that they block include your insulin and thus make insulin resistance worse. If you have been on BCP since they block channels and Metformin unblocks these channels it will take Metformin longer to work.
Also you need to go up on Metformin slowly. It is best to step up at small increments. Say- you should be on 500mg at least 3 weeks before you go to 1000. This decreases side effects and will help you adjust to the Met. The problem is Doctors do not know the difference in PCOS dosage and Diabetic dosage. And there is a difference.
Also this I found with the help of a few friends and resources. Herbs-
Vitex- balances hormones esp LH
Biotin- helps with glucose control and encourages hair growth(on your head)
Saw Palmetto- decreases testosterone(helps with hair growth) but it is not safe if you are ttc.
B-12- You need to take this esp if you are on Met because Met causes b-12 depletion, but you need it even if you aren't because b-12 deficiency is common in PCOS
Hope this info helps
Birth control pills basically shut down the reproductive system so they can take over. They mask PCOS symptoms but do not actually do anything to help PCOS. The channels that they block include your insulin and thus make insulin resistance worse. If you have been on BCP since they block channels and Metformin unblocks these channels it will take Metformin longer to work.
Also you need to go up on Metformin slowly. It is best to step up at small increments. Say- you should be on 500mg at least 3 weeks before you go to 1000. This decreases side effects and will help you adjust to the Met. The problem is Doctors do not know the difference in PCOS dosage and Diabetic dosage. And there is a difference.
Also this I found with the help of a few friends and resources. Herbs-
Vitex- balances hormones esp LH
Biotin- helps with glucose control and encourages hair growth(on your head)
Saw Palmetto- decreases testosterone(helps with hair growth) but it is not safe if you are ttc.
B-12- You need to take this esp if you are on Met because Met causes b-12 depletion, but you need it even if you aren't because b-12 deficiency is common in PCOS
Hope this info helps
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Ladies we need to REALLY read up on Metformin, I do currently take it, however I have been hearing about how it rips up your kidneys, so make sure you stay informed about what you take. I still need to do more research, but thought I'd pass that along. Hugs to you all!
Former Medical Assistant and PCOS Sufferer