Anyone know about risks of long term Met usage?

[Jack&Hank's mom]

Hi, gals. I'm new here. I couldn't find an answer to this when I searched, but I do apologize if I'm covering old ground.
I was diagnosed with PCOS about 14 years ago. Back then, I just took BCP, which controlled some of the side effects and gave me periods. Later, I used metformin briefly to conceive our first son (second was a cinammon baby).
At any rate, I don't like to use a lot of medication in general, but I'm now having a terrible time with vaginal dryness that has pretty much ko'd our sex life, and recurrent yeast infections. My doctor is very supportive and has left the direction of my treatment up to me. I've tried estrogen creams, but I have a reaction to the cream (swelling/burning). She says I could try an estrogen ring, try diet changes, or try going on glucophage. I've never been overweight, but I do have lots of hair growth and very irregular cycles. Basically, I'm wondering if there is any research on the risks or benefits of long term Met/Glucophage use. Any direction or any other thoughts would be much appreciated!!! TIA!

[Gen224]

met has been used for many decades in the lives of diabetics with no real problems seen. The real concern is if you don't control the insulin levels and end up a diabetic--or with heart disease, increased risk of stroke, hbp, etc. I would talk to your doc for sure, but I know that met has been used for at least 20 years, and I think it's close to 30.

if you're struggling with recurrent yeast infections, though, you might want to try cutting out all products with yeast. Sometimes restoring the balance in our bodies is as simple as cutting out the main culprit. Yeast is in a lot of things (not just bread), so you may have better luck googling 'yeast free diet' or something similar.

hth

[Jack&Hank's mom]

Thanks, Gen,
My doctor suggested I try cutting out yeast, too, but she also said the infections might be a sign that my sugars are out of control, since yeast loves sugar.
I guess I'm wondering whether I should try diet changes before I try medication. To be honest, I feel like I've probably put myself at risk not paying more attention to this stuff. Before I wanted to have babies I figured as long as I having periods somehow I was fine, and then when I got pregnant it was like, well, that's o.k. too. Basically, I've been treating symptoms, which has allowed me to be in some denial about the bigger issues of the disorder. Anyhow, thanks for the advice!