Metformin
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thin1dayplease
Posts: 291 Member
Hi Ladies
So I had a Consultation with an Endocrinologist yesterday and they were fab! We discussed PCSO and using Metformin to help aid weight loss. However, wants to do some blood tests first and wait for the results. So, at the minute my doctor is considering me for Metformin. I’m still pretty excited about this though!!
I wondered if anyone else had tried Metformin for weight loss and had success?
So I had a Consultation with an Endocrinologist yesterday and they were fab! We discussed PCSO and using Metformin to help aid weight loss. However, wants to do some blood tests first and wait for the results. So, at the minute my doctor is considering me for Metformin. I’m still pretty excited about this though!!
I wondered if anyone else had tried Metformin for weight loss and had success?
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Replies
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^^^^^ *PCOS0
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I used Metformin, but while I was eating what is called a "Standard American Diet," and it helped drop my fasting insulin levels, but I felt terrible mostly while taking it. I have since switched to a low carb diet, dropped the metformin in favor of managing the insulin levels by diet and exercise (test again in October to determine progress of approach), and worked on getting my thyroid and other conditions well managed.
I honestly do not remember with any certainty whether it helped me specifically with weight, but I can tell you that it jumpstarted certain things in my health in the right direction that while I stopped the Metformin over a year ago, I honestly do not think I would be where I am today (feeling and looking better, by far) had I not gotten the start/boost I did with Metformin.
Things I have learned since are that if the XR or immediate release formula does not work for you, switch to the other type. If you still have side effects and such, request the brand name formulation - Glucophage. A gentleman in the low carb group has done a ton of research on this and went from practically being an immodium spokesman to not needing the product to "cope" anymore by switching. If you have digestive/bathroom upset, eliminate dairy 2-4 hours either side of a medication dose, and reduce starchy/sugary carbs, eliminating actual sugars if possible. Both of these things can trigger major distress.
That all being said, best of luck in getting some relief and progress in your health!2 -
I'm probably one of the biggest pro-Metformin advocates on this feed...lol. I love the stuff, and at this point a physician would have to pry it from my cold-dead hands before I gave it up
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I was finally diagnosed with PCOS in the summer of 2015, after years of irregular periods & infertility (finally found a doctor who would dig deeper than "lose weight & things will work out."...despite I was exercising like crazy but not losing weight. But that's another story). Even though I had never had an elevated blood sugar result or A1C, I had signs of insulin resistance. I started Metformin with a low-carb (bordering on Keto level) diet in the late summer of 2015 & lost nearly 60 pounds. Within 6 months I was pregnant, after nearly 6 years of trying to conceive naturally. We're expecting a little girl the first week of October
I find Metformin with or without a lower carb diet gives me greater clarity of mind, helps stabilize my moods/anxiety, & helped me have like-clockwork regular cycles for the first time in my life (that weren't due to birth control regulation). BUT-- Metformin is a LOT easier on your system if you make a conscious effort to reduce your carb intake. You will find that certain foods can trigger an unpleasant GI reaction (i.e. milk + metformin did not get along for me for the first few months I was on it. I don't get that reaction anymore, though). The first few months can especially be rough on your GI system, but once your dose stabilizes & your body adjusts, you will probably find that you don't have an issue anymore (I don't).
I was started on 500mg of the regular formula Metformin a day, and was dose-adjusted up to 1000mg of the XR formula Metformin twice a day. I also take inositol, a complex b-vitamin, a multi-vitamin, & extra b12 every day.
You might want to look at the effects of Metformin on b12 levels (something women with PCOS tend to be low on anyway), & make sure your doctor occasionally checks your B12 level & makes sure you are still ok.
Good Luck! Also search for other threads on Metformin in this group, because there have been quite a few!9 -
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10394798/t2d-glucophage-name-brand-metformin-generic
This is the link to the Metformin discussion in the Low Carb Group. The group is set to private, so you would need to join to review the thread, but you can always remove yourself from the group later if it isn't for you.2 -
Thank you so much for your replies.
I really hope my doctor starts me on this medication so I can at least give it a try!! I have already started making low carb choices in my diet, although I am not following any specific plan.
@aSearch4Me Congratualtions and best wishes on your baby girl
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