Anyone on Metformin? PCOS

33lbsless

Either for PCOS or Insulin Resistance

I just started taking it regularly for my PCOS and it's the WORST. I constantly feel nauseous and have..bathroom issues. I can't eat anything and I'm always dizzy.

If I stop taking though, say for a week, I will start gaining weight. My question is: Does anyone have a similar experience or a success story taking it?
I'm just wondering if it's worth it for me to stay on it.

kemeko

I have PCOS, but I am not on metformin anymore (yay!). I had horrible digestive issues when I did take it though. I was on 500 mg of the the regular formula and it was horrid.

The nausea and gastric distress will go away after a week or so. In the meantime, I would recommend taking your meds with meals... preferably one with a decent amount of protein.

Did your doctor recommend taking a half dosage for a week to get your body used to it? Or are you taking the extended release formula? Might want to talk to him/her regarding these options.

Whatever you end up doing with the meds, I wish you the best of luck! :flowerforyou:

mommahix

I used to take Metformin to control my PCOS when I was TTC and it did help me to lose weight but it also came along with some digestive issues for sure!! I took it for at least a year and a half up until my 2nd trimester of pregnancy with my triplets. After having my boys I am now back on birth control to curb my PCOS.

LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo

I'm on the opposite side though. Last 2009 I was diagnosed with PCOS & I was at my highest weight then. I was adviced to take metformin. Now my PCOS is improved but I still take metformin as my maintenance for my type 2 diabetes. I become full blown diabetic during the time I had PCOS.

wftiger

Stick with it. The first month for me was like this but I don't have the issues anymore. I have found if I take at same time I eat I don't have many problems. If I forget and take it later sometimes I have them but not as severe as the first few weeks on it.

andreakit

I take 2000 mg for Type II Diabetes and the stomach issues were the worst, I still have them but it could be because I am on such a high dose. The dizziness comes and goes. Sorry!

modelingrace

I also take Metformin 500 mg for PCOS. I realized quickly that I have to eat a meal before taking it or I feel very sick until I do. I didn't lose any weight on it but I've gained weight since I stopped taking it although that can be due to any number of rreasons.

becschneider

i am on diaformin 500mg, its pretty much metformin and its to lower my insulin resistance. i have had alot of trouble losing weight and when i first started the tablets i felt nausea and digestive issues but it stopped just under a month and i only feel yucky when i eat sugar. i've found that i don't feel as hungry anymore, and i am on a low gi diet. since i have started the tablets i have lost 2 or so kilos woo!

Jessika_witha_k

Is this something that was perscribed by a obgyn or a primary care physician? I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18... I'm now going on 25 and I weigh the heaviest I've ever been. I've been dieting and working out like a crazy person with no success - I did lose 3 pounds in one month but still the heaviest I've ever weighed. I've been reading about metformin - I'm not trying to get pregnant just yet though. Does anyone know if I can stay on BC while taking metformin? I guess it's time to make a doctor appointment for me.

0AmyMarie0

I took metformin and it was AWFUL. I felt terrible. Then I read all the lasting side effects of long term use, including cancer. I stopped taking it. I'm on yaz now and for the first time ever, my ovaries were clear on my last ultrasound. My cycles are still messed up, but that is from my thyroid.

FranWins

Hi Jessika! I was diagnosed with PCOS last year. I've been on Metformin for almost 2 months, and (with continued healthy eating and mild exercise) I have been steadily but slowly FINALLY dropping weight. Also, last month I finally had a period (I hadn't had a cycle in over a year).

The side effects were very uncomfortable the first two weeks, but after a few weeks the body gets used to it and it gradually becomes less severe. It's definitely worth discussing with your doctor. I don't plan to stay on Metformin indefinitely, but so far it has been working with helping me lose weight and control food cravings.

FranWins

I just started taking it regularly for my PCOS and it's the WORST. I constantly feel nauseous and have..bathroom issues. I can't eat anything and I'm always dizzy.

If I stop taking though, say for a week, I will start gaining weight. My question is: Does anyone have a similar experience or a success story taking it?
I'm just wondering if it's worth it for me to stay on it.

I've been on it for almost 2 months, and it has enabled me to lose weight and seems to be having a positive effect on the PCOS. The bathroom issues get better as your body adjusts to taking the medication, though I am concerned that you are reporting dizziness. This may be due to the fact that Metformin lowers blood sugar - are you eating properly balanced meals (i.e., adequate amounts of protein, fruits, vegetables and some whole grains). When you feel dizzy, try drinking a few ounces of orange juice. If that helps, the dizziness is likely just the drop in blood sugar and you need to adjust your diet to keep that balanced. In either case, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. I've had success with Metformin so far, but not everyone does.

HolsDoinIt

i take metformin for my insulin resistance..i did have similar problems when i first started it but now it really helps!! no more dizzy spells or bathroom problems..i would suggest still take it..

Captain_Tightpants

I'm on 2000mg a day for diabetes.

The stomach issues, yep I experienced those for a few months at the start but they gradually went away. Make sure you're taking it with food.

The dizziness is more concerning. It could be pushing your blood glucose too low and giving you hypoglycemic episodes. Next time you get dizzy chug a half glass of full sugar orange juice and see if you feel better. If you do then it could be sugar related and you should talk to your doctor about keeping an eye on it and how to manage it.

sarammorgan

I have been on Metformin off and on for the last nine years for PCOS. I say off and on because I didn't take it during three pregnancies and subsequent breast feeding. The first time I went on it, I had terrible stomach ailments for about a week. After the first pregnancy, when I went to start the Metformin again, I took a whole day off and turned down all invitations to leave the house because I was sure I would have the same reaction. But that time, I had no side effects. Since then, I haven't had any side effects except when I eat a bunch of junk (grease mostly) and then the trips to the bathroom start. You didn't mention what your dosage was, but after the first pregnancy the doctor started me on a lower dose because she said starting on a higher dose can create stomach ailments. When TTC, I was on 850 mgs x 2 a day. Now 500 mgs x 2 a day.

rockerbabyy

i was taking it for pcos - my dr started me on half a pill twice a day to get my body used to it so that i didnt have the bathroom issues and such..then i bumped it up to 2 a day.
i never noticed it helping with the weight loss or any other of my symptoms.. and i actually think im doing better now without it. i took it for close to a year IIRC

ampa916

I take it for my type II diabetes, and at first I had some stomach issues with it, but now my body has seemed to adjust and it doesn't mess with my stomach like that anymore. But maybe that dosage is too high for you, you should definitely talk to your doc about the side affects and then you guys can decide what needs to be done.

cressievargo

I have been on it before - had some bathroom issues.
I started on 500 mg if I remember correctly, and gradually increased (don't remember what my final dosage was).

I took it while TTC #2, haven't taken it since I got pregnant in spring 2009. I have been doing pretty well with weight loss so far, but in the past it was definitely a struggle. I don't know what I'm doing differently that is "making the difference". I try to limit my carbs (rarely eat bread, etc) but I do eat them, I quit drinking pop all the time (still have one occassionally) and I take 2000 mg of Cinnamon a day, which is rumored (I'm not going to say proven b/c I'm not 100% sure) to help regulate blood sugar. I dunno - maybe it's one, or a combination...or none of the above. I've had 2 kids since then ~ and didn't need Metformin w/ #3...

Oh - and with #2 - I failed 2 out of 3 on the 3 hr glucose test for GD..so depending on which dr you ask, I was either GD or borderline, so I had to watch my diet. With pg #3 I passed the 1 hr test (which I didn't do with either of my other pregnancies)....so who knows...

It's all so confusing at times, which is why I'm *really* happy that my weight loss is going great right now but also terrified of getting to the point again where nothing comes off.

Best of luck ladies!

netchik

Yes. Doctors are idiots - they should have explained that metformin does that to almost everyone. Try this

Half a tablet before you go to bed for 2 weeks. You will still have an upset stomach in the morning, but once you've been it should be fine the rest of the day.

Increase dosage in fortnightly steps, half a tablet at a go evening, lunch, morning until you're up to your prescribed dosage.

I learnt the hard way - took me 3 attempts over many years because I had no-one to tell me how to approach it, and I thought my stomach was going to implode every time I took one!

Good luck, and MSG me if you want more detailed advice

iluxoxo211

Hello.. I have been on metformin on and off for about 4 years now..It really is a miracle drug for me.. I stopped getting my period all together when I dont take my metformin..I have really bad insulin resistance and I also have pcos. Metformin is the only drug out there that is for insulin resistance people that doesn't cause major weight gain... without metformin I'm not sure if my cycles would ever be regular enough to get pregnant..I find that if I eat high sugar one day that it will cause me to have bathroom issues as well the next day. If I eat a well balanced diet while I'm on metformin I dont have any issues. If your consuming alot of high sugar or high calorie foods while taking metformin it is not uncommon to exsperience diarria...good luck & it takes time for the medication to get into your system and to adjust to it.

carolann_22

I would request the XR version of metformin - much fewer stomach effects for me.

orangecrayon

I have insulin resistance, so if I don't eat enough and then I take Metformin, I tend to puke. So I'd advise always eating a good meal before you take it.

Captain_Tightpants

I would request the XR version of metformin - much fewer stomach effects for me.

^^ this.

ak_in_ak

I take the extended release formula and it helps, i also split it between breakfast and dinner. I find I get sick if I eat a lot of sugar or bad food. If you drink at all do not take any that day! It is terrible. I suggest researching what the medicine does so you can better understand it. It really helps to avoid sugar when you are on it.

nmitch1689

I agree with Netchik. You need to start at a lower dose than prescribed and gradually increase it. Also make sure you eat protein with it and eat before and after taking the metformin. I used to take it after I ate and had issues. Then my doctor said to always eat something after taking it too. I don't have any problems with it anymore.

creative1981

I take Metformin. I started with the normal version and had horrible tummy issues with it The Dr then moved me on to the slow release one which is better (when I remember to take it ) I also only took one tablet (500mg) in the eve for a week and then added the morning one as well in the second week. It does get better after the first week or so though. Remember to take it after food.

OAmadeusAmadeus

I was prescribed Metformin about 3 years ago to help with both PCOS & insulin resistance. I was also put on BC for the PCOS. The first month or so was AWFUL: I would have to plan on staying home for at least 4 or 5 hours after I took it because I would need the bathroom every 45 minutes or so. After about a month or 6 weeks, though, my body finally got used to it. Also, I started at 500mg/day for 2 weeks, then added another pill for 1000mg/day after 2 weeks. Once my body adjusted, I wasn't running to the bathroom quite as much and eventually not at all -- and I lost about 35-40 lbs. When I went back to the doctor for a check up the next year, he took me off the Metformin since all my cysts were gone [yay!] to see if that changed anything. Another year later, and the cysts were still gone, but all 35-40 lbs came back, plus another 10 or 15. No change to my diet or exercise.

Part of me wants to ask to go back on the Metformin, just because it helped with my weight loss, but I know it's not good to be taking a medication I don't REALLY need.

southernyankee716

I take 2000mg daily for PCOS as well.

Scratch that. I'm supposed to take 2000mg daily. Most days I forget and only take 1000mg but I'm working on that. I've also noticed the "cleaner" I eat, the more manageable the symptoms. Either way, it sends me to the bathroom. The difference for me is, if I eat junk I get severe cramps but if I eat clean it's just a loose bowel. I try to think of it as pooping the fat away. Makes the pills easier to take

creative1981

I have noticed that if you eat rubbish Metformin will make you pay in terms of toilet troubles!

bkandisjj29

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2003. My doctor put me on yasmin and metformin. A week later, I stopped taking both. I had never been on medicine like that, and I hated it. It gave me bad stomach issues too. I sought for natural ways to cope with the insulin resistance.

I stopped eating processed foods and basically junk food. I started taking cinnamon and chromium gtf supplements, and starting excercising. Within sixish months I had lost 40 pounds and my insulin resistance was completely under control.

After marrying and having two little boys, I gained quite a bit of weight back, and my insulin resistence returned. So I am on the same journey once again. But after doing all the above, I am already feeling way way better! That lack of energy is the worst.

Disclaimer.... lol..... check with your doctor before taking the above mentioned supplements!

StephySands

I am on Metformin for PCOS i take 1500 mgs a day. My doctor started me out on a low dose and gradually got me up to the 1500 mgs within a three week period. I take my pills three times a day with a meal and have absolutely no problems at all. When i first started taking them my stomach was a bit queezy. I've been taking Metformin since December and will continue to take until the doctor says otherwise. Best of luck to you:flowerforyou: