Anyone combine Metformin & Chlomid?

[landbttc]

I know this whole PCOS deal is all about the patience and I think I'm doing a pretty darn good job but my doctors keep having me wait months before seeing if things are working... I tried Chlomid alone for one month, 100 mg a day. The doctors said that it did not work and immediately put me on Metformin. I have been taking metformin for about 6 full weeks now and no Ovulation, no period. I am going to start provera tomorrow to get a new cycle going and I'm thinking of taking Chlomid on my own because I have a couple of refills. So I will be taking provera to start the flow, while taking metformin and possibly adding chlomid. Chlomid makes me a TAD moody and I want to know if it's completely pointless or if it COULD be helpful. Also, could it be harmful? I know my doctors assume it won't work for me but my sister was told the same thing with chlomid after 4 failed attempts and she begged her doctor to take let her take it again and she got pregnant on the 5th. However, she does not have PCOS.

My doctors told me I have to be taking the metformin for 4 full months before they test my hormones again. ARGh!!! My husband is in the Army and time is not exactly our best friend. Any advice would be helpful!!:rolleyes:

[CNSmith2006]

Liz:

I am sorry you are having a difficult time. Patience is a virtue and bless you for having it. I don't. :)

I can only tell you my experience:
Diagnosed 7/2010. Started Metformin 9/24/10 at 500mg/day. Next week increased to 1000mg/day and the following week increased to 1500mg/day. I am still at 1500mg/day. Lost 3 pounds. YAY, but no ovulation yet. My dr started me on Progesterone to have a period and then 1 pill of clomid per day for this next cycle. He told me to continue on Met even when I am pregnant - unless he says otherwise. If 1 pill doesn't work, then we are trying two, and then three. If three pills of Clomid doesn't work, then we have to try some 'more hardcore' stuff - so my dr says.

I know this is a test of patience and your feelings, but it will all be worth it to feel those kicks soon! I hope that this next idea from your dr works.

Are you seeing a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility dr or just an OBGYN? I started at a regular OBGYN who sent me to an RE who specializes in PCOS.

[landbttc]

THanks for your reply!! I really appreciate it. :)
The next hardcore step for me is hormone injections. I really don't want to have to do that but I also really want a precious baby! That's why I think for my curiosity's sake I'm going to combine the chlomid with Metformin. As long as it can't hurt, well- it can't hurt.

[Rosashi]

I know someone that took both and had twins..............wont hurt to try it, good luck :)

[Dr. Mark]

I know this whole PCOS deal is all about the patience and I think I'm doing a pretty darn good job but my doctors keep having me wait months before seeing if things are working... I tried Chlomid alone for one month, 100 mg a day. The doctors said that it did not work and immediately put me on Metformin. I have been taking metformin for about 6 full weeks now and no Ovulation, no period. I am going to start provera tomorrow to get a new cycle going and I'm thinking of taking Chlomid on my own because I have a couple of refills. So I will be taking provera to start the flow, while taking metformin and possibly adding chlomid. Chlomid makes me a TAD moody and I want to know if it's completely pointless or if it COULD be helpful. Also, could it be harmful? I know my doctors assume it won't work for me but my sister was told the same thing with chlomid after 4 failed attempts and she begged her doctor to take let her take it again and she got pregnant on the 5th. However, she does not have PCOS.

My doctors told me I have to be taking the metformin for 4 full months before they test my hormones again. ARGh!!! My husband is in the Army and time is not exactly our best friend. Any advice would be helpful!!:rolleyes:

Is your doctor a fertility doctor?
Have you been diagnosed with Insulin Resistance?

There was a large study that showed that Clomid should be used over Metformin for fertility. There is nothing wrong using the two together, but unless he/she knows something different the study did not show improvements over Clomid alone.

Second, I'm not sure why your doctor quite after trying 100mg. You can increase Clomid up to 150mg. If your going to take it on your own, take 150mg by mouth and start it on day 3 of your cycle through day 7. Start checking for a surge (LH) around days 10-15.

[landbttc]

Dr. Mark- yes, he is one of the most reputable RE Dr.s in the state. I really like and trust him a lot. I have not been diagnosed with IR nor have I been tested for it. I'm not sure why they quit after 100 mg. either. I'm going to call and try to get in to speak with him tomorrow. I'm assuming that because they saw that the Chlomid did not do much of anything the first try, they are not willing to risk the lining of my uterus for something that they don't think I will benefit from. Just a guess. I'm going to try the 100 mg again but this time it will be on top of metformin. I don't want to up the dosage without getting any real consent from my doctor.

Thank you for your reply!

[JLIZZIE02]

I also was never tested for IR but was given metformin when I first started seeing my RE. He said that everyone with PCOS has some level of IR and can benefit from metformin. I've been on met ER for 2 years now and absolutely love what it has done for me. I've seen increased energy and decreased acne amongst other benefits. I never would have thought I had IR but based on my positive response from met, I know that I am. We've done lots of different fertility treatments while I have been taking met. There is evidence that met helps reduce m/c for people with PCOS. I would say that met and fertility treatments go hand in hand but met is for overall wellness for someone with PCOS (even if not ttc) and the fertility treatments like clomid and injectibles are for the fertility aspect of it.
I thought I'd throw in my two cents worth.

[Dr. Mark]

JLIZZIE02, 50% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance.

landbttc, talk to your doctor about increasing the dose to 150mg. Clomid works in a dose dependent manner. So even if a lower dose does not work, a higher dose may. Also the effect on the lining of uterus is from the antagonistic effect of Clomid on the endometrium. However, this usually doesn't occur till it is above 150mg. Years ago people used to go up to 250mg, but the benefit was minimal over 150mg because it had such an unwanted effect on the endometrium. I only suggest the 150mg first before going onto injections because you will increase your chance of pregnancy over 100mg but will not have the risk or costs from injectables. I agree you should always let your doctor know what your doing, it is in both of your best interest.

Dr. Mark

[Waiting4MyBlessing]

@ dr. Mark That's good to know cause I haven't been tested for insulin resistance