Metformin and Horrible PMS-like Symptoms

MandaKayMakesIt

Hi all,
I was recently diagnosed with both PCOS and Hashimoto's disease (a type of thyroid disease). My doctor put me on Metformin to help with the PCOS--regulating hormones, developing regular periods, and hopefully, making weight loss a bit easier! I'm currently taking 500mg twice per day, working up to 1,000 mg twice per day.

My question to you all is this: have any of you on Metformin experienced exaggerated PMS symptoms on Metformin? I've recently been experiencing homronal issues--crying, severe mood swings, etc. that are similar to my usual PMS symptoms, but way way worse. And I'm not near my time of the month. I'm wondering if they're related to my body trying to even itself out with the Metformin? Trying to find that hormonal balance?

Any advice/info would be helpful!

JessicaZen

I was on metformin for my PCOS many years ago but I don't remember it as I stopped taking it and do not take anything for my PCOS plus I have had a hysterectomy I do remember that my time of the month was not a fun time it was very painfull hope you get the info you need.

PaleoPath4Lyfe

No, I only experienced severe gastro-intestinal distress when I took Metformin. Diahrrea, vomiting and extreme nausea...

It is not uncommon for women that have Thyroid issues and PCOS (remember these 2 conditions go hand in hand) to have extreme emotional outbursts.

Are you eating processed foods? You may want to use more of a whole foods approach with eating. That is the only thing that has alleviated all of my PMS, PMDD, bi-polar and other hormonal issues.

Lupercalia

No, I only experienced severe gastro-intestinal distress when I took Metformin. Diahrrea, vomiting and extreme nausea...

It is not uncommon for women that have Thyroid issues and PCOS (remember these 2 conditions go hand in hand) to have extreme emotional outbursts.

Are you eating processed foods? You may want to use more of a whole foods approach with eating. That is the only thing that has alleviated all of my PMS, PMDD, bi-polar and other hormonal issues.

^^^THIS. Since switching to a whole foods diet and eliminating sugar and a couple of foods that I have sensitivities to (grains, dairy), I am able to lose weight like a person without PCOS. I've also picked up strength training and don't do any sort of steady state cardio (running, elliptical, bike, etc.). I walk everywhere. Those things have all helped to balance my hormones to the point where I don't need meds and don't really have PCOS so much anymore, as my hormones are balanced.

blink1021

I never took Metformin since it passes through your kidneys and I only have one. I do also have a thyroid condition and I have found that regular exercise and cutting out processed foods help out and I really have no symptoms. I was also able to conceive my children fairly easily without the help of medication.

MyM0wM0w

No, I only experienced severe gastro-intestinal distress when I took Metformin. Diahrrea, vomiting and extreme nausea...

Same here. I couldn't even THINK about food without having to run for the bathroom the first few weeks I was taking it. Once my body adjusted it was a lot less ...distressing.

Nothing hormonal with it.

MandaKayMakesIt

I'm really hoping this "reaction" is everything just kind of working itself out to normal levels....otherwise, yikes!

Docmahi

Hi all,
I was recently diagnosed with both PCOS and Hashimoto's disease (a type of thyroid disease). My doctor put me on Metformin to help with the PCOS--regulating hormones, developing regular periods, and hopefully, making weight loss a bit easier! I'm currently taking 500mg twice per day, working up to 1,000 mg twice per day.

My question to you all is this: have any of you on Metformin experienced exaggerated PMS symptoms on Metformin? I've recently been experiencing homronal issues--crying, severe mood swings, etc. that are similar to my usual PMS symptoms, but way way worse. And I'm not near my time of the month. I'm wondering if they're related to my body trying to even itself out with the Metformin? Trying to find that hormonal balance?

Any advice/info would be helpful!

I had a patient who was on metformin 1000 BID for PCOS and she told me she did have mood swings with it initially - but after a few months she was very happy with the medication. I am far far from an expert on how metformin works with PCOS, I know it has to do with the IR link in PCOS, and your mood swings could definitely be related to it, you may want to see how it works for a few cycles before making any changes though

just my 2 cents