Just starting Metformin

[jmak]

So I was just officially diagnosed with PCOS this past winter. Even though for a couple of years now I have noticed the symptoms and thought maybe that is what I had. Since then I have been going to see an endrocrine specialist to try to get this under control before I try to get pregnant. I have the non existant periods, I have been taking provera for at least three years maybe longer for this. I do not really have any of the other symptoms other than the weight gain over the past few years also.

So now I am trying the metformin as of yesterday. Starting with one dose of 500 for a week and weekly adding another 500 till reaching 2000. I have been reading a lot of posts on this forum for the past hour now..and have become very nervous about being on this now!! I was told about the possible temporary side effects like bloating, gas and other stomach issues. I am now reading about it being severe with some people and lasting longer and the mood swings, weight gain..and who knows what else.

I guess right now I just need some reassurance that I am doing the right thing in taking this medication. I am scared now!! I don't want to live my life like that. Should I talk to my doctor about upping my dosage more slowly? How long do these symptoms last? Have the GI symptoms in really bad? Has anyone noticed positive changes with this medication? How about when it comes to pregnancy? Has anyone noticed metformin being helpful in becoming pregnant? As this is my main goal in a year or two. What else have people been doing to try to control PCOS? I only have gotten through some of the medications posts and have not ventured onto other parts of the forum yet.

Any advice would be great!! Thank you all!!

[Ariel70113]

I would suggest to up the dosage when your body feels ready. For example, if you up your dosage and your body doesn't like it...then you are probably not ready to up it.
I have some side effects....stomic issues only. If I eat the wrong things..like spicy foods..then my stomic doesn't agree with it. But I take my chances hehe!! i love spicey foods!!

I have lots 13 lbs since starting metformin in March! I am happy with that!

I have heard lots of stories of people who have gotten control of PCOS w/metformin. And also stories of people who have gotten pregnant after taking met.

HTH!!!

[slong007]

My gyn put me on a low dosage (500mg) almost three weeks ago. Like you I had read the boards and was scared to death of the side effects, but wanted the medication to control the IR. Unlike you I'm not interested in getting pregnant any time soon. I just don't want to develop diabetes and was hoping it would help with some weight loss. Anyway the same day I started the met I also started the South Beach Diet, because so many posts commented about diet & side effects. So far I haven't had any side effects. I take the Met with my evening meal and I don't eat any refined carbs or sugar. I don't know if I'm just lucky or if the diet has helped with the side effects. Truthfully I'm afraid to eat anything "bad" for me out of fear the side effects would show up. I haven't had any negative mood swings. If anything I feel happier and more alert...some times like I'm on speed or something. I also lost 3lbs in the first two weeks. So my suggestion is to see a nutritionist or get on a diet plan that limits your refined carbs and sugars...a somewhat modified diabetic diet. Then watch how your body reacts with the Met. Good luck!

[tweety]

Don't be afraid to take it. The side effects are temp and do go away in about a month or so. I don't know if you doc told you to watch watch your carb and sugar intake, mine did. If i eat to many carbs my body knows it.
I have been on met for a year and hve noticed some positive changes. The facial is alot better. It grows slower and is less coarse. Break out (pimples) are much better aslo. I have noticed increased energy and wiegtht coming off.
My doc put me onto when we started TTC. I have not got a period while takeing met, they are induced. Some women do get there period with it and achieve pregnency.

[MPDWife]

I started taking Met this week (Monday) and so far it has been HORRIBLE! I am experiencing MAJOR joint pain (I am 26), that comes on about 3 hrs after I take it (500mg) and lasts well into the night. By morning, I am fine! I called my Dr. today (he is calling me back) because I am NOT taking another pill until I see if this is normal or safe. Other than the joint pain I have had some stomach issues with it.

[LisaMc]

I have been on Met for about a month and a half now, and am having a very good experience with it. Since March 20, I've dropped 9 pounds and noticed a definite improvement in my PCOS symptoms. In addition, I've just gotten my first non-induced period in 2 years this past week.

That being said, there were some definite adjustments to being on this medication. I did have some GI problems when I first started (by no means fun, but not horrible) but my Dr. told me to expect that, so I just plowed on ahead. At this point I have absolutely no side effects unless I cheat and eat a lot of carbs or really spicy foods.

I think that, in general, most women do have some side effects in the beginning. But they generally wane and subside after you ramp up to your final dosage. I think you should definitely try it. It may not work for you, but then again, it might be just what you needed. Every woman is different and responds differently, you'll never know unless you try.

Good Luck!!!

[Mimzy]

I too looked to these boards for info about met before I started taking it. I was so worried I would have the vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, etc. I experienced none of it and when I told my RE he told me that the statistics are that only 30% of women experience the severe side affects we've all read about on here. I no longer get lethargic after eating, I'm not constantly hungry, & I've lost 40 lbs now and I've never felt better. I would give the Met a chance and just pay close attention to your body and what it tells you. Your body will let you know if the Met is right for you. Good luck!

[kells22]

I started taking met 3 months ago and had my first met induced period yesterday, i'm not overweight, i take it for periods and ovulation. I had loose bowels for a while and if i took them (1500mg) on an empty stomach i'd spend the rest of the day with stomach cramps and nausea, but body hairs are now thinner and less coarse and spot's are a thing of the past! Overall i am happy with this drug, it's had good effects on me but all of us react differently so good luck! :D

[Reenie14]

Hi all, I started taking metformin 3 1/2 weeks ago. I had bad stomach issues for the first 1 1/2 weeks but it seems to be subsiding now. I was just diagnosed with PCOS in March and I'm new to this. My endocrinologist had me on ortho-novum for two months.....one month before starting metformin and wanted me to continue it for the first month on metformin. Then he wants me off of bcp and just taking met. Has anyone had a similar regimine? I don't understand why he wanted me on bcp with met first when I'm trying to get pregnant. Any advice would be great!

[lunameow]

I'm so glad I found this!

I started on Met last week, 500mg twice a day. I find that I'm constantly just worn down and cranky lately, and my production at work has dropped by half. Some days, it's an effort just to pick up a pen or dial the phone. The only thing I could figure was the medications (I also started back on BC this week), so that's the excuse I was giving my boss. So glad to know it wasn't just an excuse! I knew that the side effects included fatigue, but this has been a lot worse than I'd expected. What a relief it is to know that it's only for a little while. The gastric issues are already clearing up, so hopefully it's only a matter of time before I'm back to my normal self (not that it's a HUGE improvement, but still...)!

Since it's only been a week, there's no weight loss to report, though my doctor assures me that will happen, since she says a lot of my weight issues are due to my body not processing carbs properly. But one bonus I've already found: since I do get dehydrated easily to begin with, and the Met makes it worse, I'm drinking tons of water now. That's gotta be a good thing!