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...

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Questions about metformin

kokokitty
kokokitty
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16, I'm 24 now, I only have 1 period a year except for when my doctor tried to get me to take provera but it had some crappy side effects so I haven't taken it since Jan of this year.

Anyway, the doc gave me 1000 mg of metformin.

My question is what exactly is metformin supposed to do when it's prescribed for PCOS? Because I thought metformin is for blood sugar.
deleted_user
deleted_user
officially, metformin is supposed to increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, so excess insulin doesn't have to be produced.

As far as I can tell, it's prescribed for PCOS for two reasons: 1) lots of people who have PCOS also have problems with insulin resistance; and 2) off-label use: many people - including some on these boards - have had good results with their thyroid condition, periods, hair loss/overgrowth, weight loss, etc.

Metformin didn't do anything for me personally, but I'll try to find some other comments from people who have had positive benefits.
deleted_user
deleted_user
okay, cutting and pasting comments might not make sense outside of the threads they were originally posted in, but MelissaAn and rettabaker1121 have both mentioned ways that metformin helped their PCOS. Maybe pm them?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello KokoKitty!

I am on 500mg of Metformin 3x a day and I LOVE IT.

There is one VERY common misconception about why Metformin is prescribed for individuals with PCOS. It is NOT because us cysters are twice as likely to develop diabetes future in life. It is because....... prepare for your mind to be blown (mine was).......... Insulin is a HORMONE. PCOS is actually an issue with your endocrine system producing the wrong amount, mixture, and timing of hormones throughout our cycles. Metofrmin regulates the insulin hormone. High levels of insulin disrupt ovulation and overall ovarian function.

Metformin has completely changed my life and I could talk for days about it but I won't bore you with details unless you want them. Just know that Metformin helped to correct my hypothyroidism (and therefore my hypotension), stopped the growth of unwanted hair, helped me lose (and keep off for 2 years) 15 pounds, regulated my cycles (every 28 days like clock work) and now that we are TTC has also helped me to ovulate EVERY SINGLE MONTH.

Let me know if you ever have any questions about Metformin and how it works, or what benefits you may see from it.