Taking Metaformin without being Insulin Resistant

[SharonWA]

My doctor had suggested he might start me on Metaformin to help regulate my cycle so I can get pregnant again more quickly. I am not IR so I was surprised he suggested that instead of just putting me on clomid. I guess he thinks it will be a better fit since I did manage to get pregnant a few months ago without any meds.

Is anyone else on Met who isn't insulin resistant? Just curious what to expect, if IR is not my problem could it still help regulate my cycle and possible still help me lose weight?

[Vero]

Are you sure you are not IR? the test for IR is VERY complicated (a full day in the hospital), so maybe your doctor is just assuming you ARE IR by using the rest of your tests and symptoms? Just a thought...

[smiley]

I was never shown to be IR but started taking Metformin (on my own accord). I actually felt better, less cravings and ups and downs after meals. I have little side effect from it but do recommend that you taper your dose slowly b/c I jumped up to a 1000mg too fast and didn't feel great.

I can't say whether the metformin, clomid or 8 lbs I lost did the trick but it worked and I'm happy (BTW, i'm normal weight!).

Good luck

Smiley

[SharonWA]

Well my GYN that diagnosed me said i did not appear to be insulin resistant, but that was only after one blood test. This doctor may very well assume I am, especially since diabetes runs in my family. I am going to start taking the Met tomorrow, he gave me 500mg pills and said to take one with each meal, does that seem like too much to start out with? I noticed people saying they take 1500mg or 2000mg, is that per day or per pill?

[TJaRia]

like Vero said, the test for IR is complicated and specific. I bet she is just judging that on your fasting blood sugar levels, which wont tell if you have IR or not.

My Dr started me on 500mgs at first and it seemed for work just fine was able to loose weight, felt better etc. They raised my dose a few months later.

[Guzadog]

In a regular blood test I don't show up insulin resistant either but have many other PCOS symptoms and found the metformin very helpful.

I take 2 x 500 mg pills (one with breakfast and another with dinner). I started taking the 1000 mg daily dose right from the beginning.

[shrinkinbear]

I didn't do any testing for IR, either. I asked my re for metformin because I had read all about it and I knew I would benefit from it. I started on 850mg twice a day with meals, but I wish I would have started with just 500. I felt the effects right away, but it took about two months to start feeling more normal.

Also, be aware that what you eat with it makes a big difference in how you feel. You really have to cut out processed carbs and always eat some protein with every meal. Eating smaller meals several times a day helps, too.

Good Luck!

[nikki101]

I haven't heard of this. I would go to another doctor so he/she can send you for bloodwork to see if you are insulin resistant. I don't think Metformin would be much of a help for your problem.

[dims826]

I did the 3 hour blood glucose testing and I was NOT IR but my PCP said to go ahead and take it to help regulate my periods. I was only on it for 3 days when I found out I was pregnant. I am going to start taking it Monday morning. I was not on it very long...but to answer your question I am not IR.

[Vero]

I don't recommend to start at once with 500 mg x 3 times a day... it's way too fast!

My doctor told me to start with 500 mg, take it for a week or so and if I was feeling OK, tapper up to 1000 mg, and so and so... I was supposed to go up to 2000 mg, but felt horrible at 1500 mg, decided to go back to 1000 mg for 1-2 more weeks just to adjust and then try 1500 mg... but I got my BFP :D so I took 1000 mg until I was around 8 weeks pregnant. In theory I should have taken it throughout my first trimester to reduce my chances of miscarriage, but I had such a horrible morning sickness and baby was doing great! that my doctor decided to cut it at 8 weeks to give my stomach some time to recover...

So in summary!! If your doctor approves... tapper up slowly!

[SharonWA]

Since my doctor prescribed 1500mg a day I just went straight to that. He was very specific on what I could eat though, no carbs, no sugars. Because I was very careful with what I ate during my first 2 weeks on the medication I only had one real instance of sickness, which was one night 3 days in after eating rice, which was a no no. My doctor said after I adjust to the medicine I can try adding whole wheat bread and pasta in small amounts, and fruit in small amounts too. He said my body will react based on what I eat, and to experiment with what foods will not make me sick. During my first week I was a little tired but now I feel fine, although I have barely any appetite.

I think the Met is working. I have lost 7lbs already and I am staring to show signs of ovulation, I will probably ovulate in the next few days, unfortunately my doctor said don't try to conceive this time, since I haven't had a full cycle since my D&C, but hopefully my next cycle will be an average length.