is this a coincidence or the real thing?

[LJinTX]

Hi, I'm new here.

Briefly, dx in 1995, tx with BCPs off and on, 2 failed clomid, one with IUI, one with "chemical pregnancy."

I started with amenorrhea and hair growth and was never overweight. Have steadily gained since my dx, but still have BMI <30, so not obese (BMI is 25, now about 40lbs overweight). All of my labs are normal except a very slightly elevated free testosterone. I just don't have periods and have a lovely beard. :) (which no one ever sees because I am neurotic!)

Just started Met yesterday (250). Had diarrhea, but not too bad. This morning, after literally YEARS without a period that wasn't induced by provera or BCPs, it starts, full on.

Is this a coincidence, or am I really that sensitive to Met? I'm not diabetic, never had an abnormal GTT (have done the 2 hour and the 3 hour tests, always normal, always normal plasma glucose). My RE refused to tx me with Met for that reason (I know, he's in the minority). So my friendly, wonderful family doc (go family docs!!) wrote me the script. She's awesome.

It's just weird. If it is the meds, I can't believe they worked this fast.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

[ske101]

What is a "chemical pregnancy"?

[tweety]

I haven't but some women have had peiods on met.

[skusisto]

I didn't have anything that quickly... but had spotting after about 2 weeks... unfortunately for me, that all I've gotten naturally since starting the Met about 4 months ago. I thought when I got the spotting that it meant the met was really doing it's thing... but it may just have been a fluke, or just cleaning out but not really regulating... not sure. Also, could have been a coincidence. (P.S. A chemical pregnancy is having the hormone response, an increase in hcg so you will get positive test results, but you get your period on time... it doesn't stick... some people look at it as a VERY early miscarriage, some just call it a chemical pregnancy, 'cause it's so early in development that it may or may not have been anything...at least that's the best I can describe it.)

[ske101]

Thanks!

[ske101]

Thanks!

[jazzo]

Hi :( :( :(
I also have had alot of problems with the bc pill not working as well.
Anyone know a good doctor that is in the Toronto area that can help me.
The last Doctor I went to did not even take the time to examin me after waiting 8 months to see her.Really want to try something that works after 7years of doctors passing me off(with different diagnosis).I have to do something different .................metformin sounds effective, but what doctor can I see????No specialists in the area,I've been checking. The last doctor I wouldent see if someone payed me too (she dident even have my chart after 8 month from when I was reffered) ...she acted as if she knew me & how I felt ....when I left ..I was upset and back to square one.Please any suggestions would be really appreciated.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :

[LJinTX]

I have to do something different .................metformin sounds effective, but what doctor can I see????No specialists in the area,I've been checking.

I'm a medical student and have had PCOS for about 15 years, so I have some insight into how doctors think and also how they DON'T think sometimes.

First, arm yourself with knowledge. There are amazing medical schools in the Toronto area, and most will have medical libraries that are open to the public. Ask a reference librarian there to show you how to do a PubMed or Ovid search for PCOS and Metformin. You will come up with a few studies, all with pretty strong evidence that Met works for PCOS. Print them, read them, understand them, and keep going to docs with that information until you convince someone to treat you.

After seeing 3 OB/GYNs and 2 Reproductive endocrinologists, who finally ended up prescribing Met for me? My family doctor!

I know the Canadian system is a little different. But I would say just keep trying until you get someone to listen to you.

You can find a list of labs somewhere online that you need, but off the top of my head, you should ask for LH/FSH, thyroid hormone/TSH , free testosterone. If you are overweight, you should get a glucose tolerance test (2 hour). Some people test blood insulin levels too.

Doctors are humans, and unfortunately, there is a huge variance in their knowledge and skill. Just because they jumped through the appropriate hoops to get their degree does not mean they always know what is best for you. You have to be proactive!

Best of luck!

[steph]

I agree w/ LJinTX, do what makes you feel better and read up on things.

[lemongirl134]

Hi all!!

Just briefly - dx 04/06, taking 1700 mg met a day, one pill diane 35, 60 mg buscopan for pain

It was the same for me. I gave up on military docs (I live in Germany, but Im an american..military brat) and went to see docs on the economy. I got an AWESOME gyno...but she sent me back to my home doc with a dx and a list of tests! She also told me I needed to see a shrink for my mood swings (Gee woman, I was just looking for like a half mg of ativan...not something extremly serious :D ) But anyway, it was my home doc who gave me the Met. We talked about it, and he made me a deal. Cut out all excess sugars and exercise 4-5 times a week, and I'll give you the met. only been on the met 4 days (blood tests took forever) 8) but im already starting to feel some better. Stick with it! your stomach might stage a mutiny, but your food choices will affect that!!

Kitt

[taina115]

LjinTX I had a very similar experience. I thought it was a fluke too! I was on Met for three days and got a regular heavy flow period and it was only day 23 of my cycle! I usually don't get a period until day 40>. I would love to know if it was really the met or just a huge coincedence.