PCOS Metformin

Metformin is usually the first line treatment for PCOS. It's made the news quite a bit lately both positive and negative, but mostly related to Diabetes (since that's what it's originally been FDA approved for). It appears it could have a positive effect on protecting against breast cancer, but most of the data is preliminary.

Just a note of caution, there are several different forms of metformin on the market. You have the original, Glucophage and Glucophage XR, generics (which will vary from pharmacy to pharmacy) and products like Glumetza.

Are you being treated by an Endocrinologist for your PCOS? If not, I'd highly recommend it as they're best versed on the condition and the options for treatment. You may be able to find a good reproductive endocrinologist as well.

Best wishes! I hope you're able to fulfill your dreams of motherhood soon.

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I am so sorry for your losses. I have had two miscarriages and they were devastating. I took Metformin as recommended by my infertility specialist. No known side effects for me. She also recommended a baby aspirin a day and progesterone suppositories. Have you had your progesterone checked during pregnancies? that is an easy thing to get fixed. Are you seeing a reproductive endocrinologist? I would highly recommend it if you are not. I also know of several people who have had success with pregnancy after doing chiropractic care and acupuncture. I will pray for you, God Bless! We have a beautiful, rambunctious 2 year old and she was way worth all the tears, prayers, and waiting. Hang in there!

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I went 6 years inbetween my first two not being able to get pregnant because of PCOS. I started on the metformin, started exercising everyday, did a very strict low carb diet (including no underground veg.). I got pregnant within 3 months. We had some complications with that pregnancy and lost the baby but I went on to have two more kids. I totally believe in the Metformin and I still take it to this day. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions. Good luck and I hope it works for you.

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Dear L.,

First, let me tell you how sorry I am for your losses and I wish you the very best in ttc. I'm not a doctor, but when I read your question I was a little surprised / confused because I was under the impression that Metformin can help people w/ PCOS who are having difficulty conceiving. You seem to be able to conceive, but not to carry to term, which can be a whole different cluster of problems. Sometimes progesterone helps -- have you ever been tested for that? Any uterine irregularities like a fibroid? I suggest that you go to an endocrinologist and/or a high risk ob specialist. I wish I could recommend someone but I don't know anyone. Good luck.

Not to mess things up with your NEW doctor, but consider seeing Mary Wood Molo at Rush. She is a reproductive endocrinologist and can figure out exactly what's wrong and how to fix it. She's the one people go to when their fertility doctors give up on them. And she gets results--I've got a gorgeous daughter to prove it. She actually corrected my problem and I've been able to get pregnant on my own, but had a miscarriage. So I think I'll go back to see her again in the fall to have baby #2. Most people have a few small things wrong, so it won't be a matter of Metformin or not, but what combination of things will best address your particular chemistry. They also follow your pregnancy super closely for 12 weeks. The nurses there are warm and caring, and Mary is an absolute rock star. If you google her, you'll see her accolades. But she's a real person, she cares, and she's one of the best diagnosticians in the country, and by far the best in Chicago. Good luck to you.

My former physician said I had PCOS, but my gyno disagrees. But we tried for 2 1/2 years to get pregnant with no success. My family physician put me on Metformin and warned me, "Do not take this unless you are serious about starting a family." Three weeks later we were pregnant. I had no side effects, but was forewarned that many people have digestion issues when they start the meds. Good luck to you.

L., my heart goes out to you and your husband. I have PCOS, too, and have been misdiagnosed, undergone unnecessary surgeries, and had several miscarriages. Who is your doctor? Besides Metformin, what is the long-term plan?

Personally, I was taking Metformin and it helped reduce inflammation and get my periods more regular. Be prepared for the side effects, which include cramping and having to go to the bathroom FAST. You get used to it. BE SURE to eat before you take it. EVERY time. I could never get up to the 2000 mg they wanted me to take, instead, I could only take 1500 mg. So, listen to your body and know your limits.

I'm not sure if this prevents miscarriages, as much as it regulates your PCOS. In fact, I am not sure that PCOS is the reason for miscarriage.

With this many miscarriages, you may want to consider also having genetic testing done to see if you or your husband have a chromosomal abnormality. It's a simple blood test. The cost is $400 -- which includes both you and your husband -- and it takes a couple of weeks to get results. A fantastic doctor to see for RPL (recurring pregnancy loss) is Dr. Carolyn Coulam. Her office is in Evanston. Very much worth the trip. http://www.illinoisivf.com/physicians.htm

Best of luck to you, L.. If you want to talk more, I'm happy to share my experience.

I hope this helps!

I was put on Metformin because of the PCOS and have been on it for years. I really did not have any side effects and had four rounds of invitro and had a very healthy baby almost 10 months ago. There are also blood tests that your doctor can do on you and your husband to determine why the cronic misscarrages.
Good luck and do not be afraid of the Metformin

I have recently started Metformin for diabetes, and have had a great deal of digestive difficulty (which will supposedly diminish over time). But it got me looking at other alternatives, and I recently came across this extremely informative site that discusses the drug and alternatives for PCOS.

I sure hope you find something that helps you.

I'm so sorry that you are suffering through so many miscarriages and pain. I was told I would not be able to get pregnant without fertility treatments due to my PCOS. My doctor was reluctant to put me on Metformin, even though I really pushed for it. I started dieting and exercising and ended up getting pregnant with no medicine. It was a miracle! I was so afraid during the entire pregnancy of something bad happening. We were lucky to deliver a healthy baby boy.

Even after my pregnancy I still felt that I could benefit from Metformin for the PCOS because I could not lose weight and just felt bad all the time. My periods made my whole life stop. They were horrible and would go on and on (sorry if that is TMI). I just started seeing a new doctor about 2 months ago and he put me on it finally. I can feel the difference with my periods and overall "puffyness" if that makes sense. I am losing weight again and hope that it continues to help with the PCOS.

It did give me an upset stomach a few times in the beginning. I haven't had any issues since then, though. I hope to get pregnant again next year. I'm glad that there are so many other knowledgeable women here to talk about this because it is so hard for people to understand what a miserable condition this can be.

Best of luck to you and your husband. Don't give up hope!

Hi we conceived with our oldest child on Metformin. He is now 10 1/2yrs. It took 4 months of me being on the Metformin and eating a restricted diet then we conceived.
I also have PCO's. I don't fit the profile for people with PCO's.
Also my son was born with a tethered cord very low on the spine. He had a major operation on his spine when he was 4 months old.
We found one sentence on the computer that said it is possible for the Metformin to block the folic acid. PLEASE discuss this with a fertiliy expert.Please take extra folic acid. Take the prenatal vitamins but also take additional folic acid this will help prevent the spinal cord. Send me a message if you want more information. Take care, Kim

There is a TON of research out on the web in regards to IR PCOS & Metformin in regards to conceiving a child. I highly suggest you look it up.

But to answer your anecdotal question - Yes, I conceived on Metformin & took it through my first trimester, going on to have a healthy baby boy.

Side effects are nasty if you eat carbs while first starting it. Once your body has regulated to the drug, you can slowly start adding carbs back into your life. I found the locarb dieting to be very effective both times I used Met.

I'm currently on Met 2000 mg per day while TTC my 2nd child. After being on Met for 4 months, I could go off the locarb diet (20 lbs lighter) and eating pretty much whatever I want without issue AND still losing weight slowly but surely.

Good Luck!

ETA: I saw Kim's response after I posted, so I wanted to add...

Yes, my Endocrinologist kept track of my B12 absorbtion & has me taking B12 in addition to a prenatal while TTC. It took about 6 months before my levels dropped, but that could be due to high levels from the prenatals prior to starting the Met.

I also have PCOS and have had several misc. I did take metformin along with an injectable fertility drug to conceive my first. I stayed on Met for the first trimester. I got PG with my second daughter all on my own! For both girls I had to be on progesterone to help keep the pregnancy. Good luck!