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...
Hello, everyone! I wanted to give a little introduction before I jumped in and started asking questions. I'm currently without a definitive diagnosis of PCOS, but the symptoms fit. My doctor has done blood work and an ultrasound, and is now referring me to a gynecologist as well as trying Metformin. I've been on various birth control pills for the past 15 years and went off them about 7 months ago when my husband and I decided to try conceiving. It's been 6 months since I've been visited by "ma tante rose" and I only started taking the Metformin yesterday. Which brings me to my questions.
1. How long before my cycles start again? My doctor said I should notice results in 1-2 cycles, but I'm not sure what that means exactly. Is he referring to a cycle being 28 days and after taking the medication that long I should get my period?
2. How have you dealt with any issues concerning your blood sugar and this medication? As far as I know, my blood sugar levels are fairly normal and I've been feeling a tad light headed now and again. I'm not sure if that's the blood sugar level or the fact I'm still recovering from Bronchitis. But assuming it's a sugar issue, how have you coped with it?
3. I've heard some people mention losing weight on this medication. Did you just happen to lost the weight once on the drug, or did you make changes to your diet and exercise routines to get those results? I've been trying to eat healthier and get more exercise, but I haven't had much luck with losing weight so it would be great if this is something I can expect from taking the Metformin.
And lastly, I know many people have said that the side effects they've experienced went away after a couple weeks. Is there any other advice anyone has in regards to taking this medication? Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this (and respond)!
1. How long before my cycles start again? My doctor said I should notice results in 1-2 cycles, but I'm not sure what that means exactly. Is he referring to a cycle being 28 days and after taking the medication that long I should get my period?
2. How have you dealt with any issues concerning your blood sugar and this medication? As far as I know, my blood sugar levels are fairly normal and I've been feeling a tad light headed now and again. I'm not sure if that's the blood sugar level or the fact I'm still recovering from Bronchitis. But assuming it's a sugar issue, how have you coped with it?
3. I've heard some people mention losing weight on this medication. Did you just happen to lost the weight once on the drug, or did you make changes to your diet and exercise routines to get those results? I've been trying to eat healthier and get more exercise, but I haven't had much luck with losing weight so it would be great if this is something I can expect from taking the Metformin.
And lastly, I know many people have said that the side effects they've experienced went away after a couple weeks. Is there any other advice anyone has in regards to taking this medication? Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this (and respond)!
1. Depending on the dosage your Dr. has you on is going to determine the time it takes for you too see results. I saw no results on 1000 mg of Metformin but once they put me on 2000 mg. It was a world of difference.
2. I never experience any blood sugar level issues while taking Metformin.
3. I tried everything to loose weight and my RE (reproductive endocronologies) explained that I could walk past 5 loaves of bread and gain 10 lbs where by BF could eat all 5 loaves and he wouldn't gain anything. Having PCOS causes you to be insulin resistant which has your body all out of whack so you just can't loose weight like others. I lost 20lbs once they put me on the 2000 mg. of Metformin.
As for the side effects... everyone deals with this medicine differently and I won't lie to you. For me.... It was not fun at 1st. I took 1000 mgs from Feb to July and I had to know where a restroom was at all times because when you need to go you gotta go right then and there. I had stomach pains and I had to stop eating spicy food (my favorite) because it wasn't worth the pain and suffering. But...... I got this advice from one of the girls on here and I can say it helped me out SO MUCH. If you keep your carbs during each meal under 45g then it is very manageable. If I ate pasta for dinner I knew I need to eat extra protein to help out weight those extra carbs... You will learn what upset your stomach and what doesn't. Now this isn't the same with everyone. When I switched to 2000 mg from July to November, at first it was rough but then it went back under control. I will tell you that even though I had to go through all this and the pain and agony I swear by Metformin.... Once they switched me to 2000 mg in July I got my cycle on Aug 3rd and Sept 3rd 1st time in 10 years that had happened and we conceived in Sept using Metformin only!!!! I'm due in June!!! So good luck and I hope I helped to explain it to you a little better.
1. I hadn't had a cycle for about 9 months when I got on the Metroformin. I had some spotting here and there but it was about three months before I "saw results". By this my doctor meant that I would start to have a 28 day (or close) cycle. After three months i started having a cycle exactly 28 days a part. Even when my cycle regulated i kept taking the medication. I took a "break" once and didn't get a period again until I got back on the medicine.
2. I have PCOS but never had any blood sugar issues before or after being diagnosed. I know the metroformin is "typically" used for that, but it never made any change in my blood sugar levels at all. I wondered about that, but I figured since mine started out normal the medicine just didn't do anything with it...
3. I am overweight, but never lost any weight on metroformin.
4. As far as side effects go, I did have them. I was on 1500mgs and was supposed to take one pill with breakfast, lunch and dinner. I HATED that becuase I'd still be feelig sick from the breakfast pill when it was time to take the lunch (and so on and so on). I talked to my doctor and he agreed that I could take all three pill in the evening. That's what I did and it worked great. I would take them right before bed and I'd feel a little sick in the morning, but 100% by 9a. I see lots of people mentioning chaning their eating habits for PCOS or the metroformin...but I never did that...maybe if I had I would have lost weight..
So, I hope all of this helps. And just to add a little hope to your life :-), I took metroformin to regulate my periods and then clomid to foster egg growth and I'm now 19 weeks pregnant!
Good luck to you and keep us posted.
So it's been about a week now on the Metformin and I'm not really suffering any side effects. I'm guessing the ones I was dealing with were either from the bronchitis or mild enough that I'm over them now. Of course, I'm only on 500mg this week and after next week will be up to 1000mg per day. I have it planned out so I'll be starting the higher dose during my March break. Less worries that way, and time enough to get used to any side effects that may arise since it seems to be a common occurance with a dosage over 1000mg. I've been referred to a gynecologist and will be figuring out what the next steps are during my appointment there in a few months. My only problem right now is wondering how my cycle will be if/when I start it again. It's been 6 months, I'm expecting a really rough time of it and hoping I'm able to cope with it when the time comes. I'm trying to take things one day at a time though. I have enough to worry about without adding the what-ifs of taking Metformin to the list! lol
Just in case it makes you feel better my periods were completely normal while I was on Metroformin. I hadn't had a period for about 9 months when I had my first cycle and it was not too much different then usual. Only time I had a heavy period was the one time I took Provera to bring on my period and even that wasn't too bad past the first couple of days.