Glucophage-PCOS

Anyone taking it? I was prescribed it and reading all of the side effects is making me nervous. I still don't get the main purpose of it for nondiabetics.

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS. While I do have regular cycles, a sonogram confirmed I have classic polycystic ovaries. I was diagnosed through these results and my family history of diabetes (my father and his entire family has it). I am waiting to get CD3 bloodwork to confirm the LH:FSH ratio. LH:FSH ratio should be 1:1 in someone without PCOS. A person with PCOS has a greater amount of LH to FSH.

My RE explained it and my understanding is that the underlying cause for PCOS (or at least some forms of PCOS) is believed to be insulin resistance. Basically, there is something wrong with the insulin receptors so when you do ingest carbs, your pancreas releases insulin but because of the issue with the insulin receptors, the insulin isn't used properly/effectively. As a result your pancreas releases more insulin to try to break down the carbs. So, while you aren't diabetic or pre-diabetic, your body does have a hard time breaking down carbs. This results in an increase of insulin in your body. As a result of the insulin, your ovaries produce an increase amount of androgens (male hormones). In very basic terms, this basically creates a hormone inbalance which prevents you from ovulating or from ovulating some months. One course of treatment is to administer glucophage to help break down the carbs so that your pancreas does not continue to release excessive insulin which ultimately starts the hormone imbalance.

My RE thinks that I am ovulating on my own at least some months (i get positive results using the clear blue easy test) so he told me to cut out carbs from my diet and he is putting me on clomid. I asked him about the glucophage and he said that he would not consider that first step for my case.


ETA: Hope this helps!! This is definitely very new and scary for me so I know how you are feeling.

Message edited 11/11/2009 10:19:41 AM.

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

I am sooo loving you right now for that explanation. You've explained it better to me than any RE or book that's I've been reading. Thank you so much. Your RE told you this or you've been researching on your own?

Posted by Gdesq

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS. While I do have regular cycles, a sonogram confirmed I have classic polycystic ovaries. I was diagnosed through these results and my family history of diabetes (my father and his entire family has it). I am waiting to get CD3 bloodwork to confirm the LH:FSH ratio. LH:FSH ratio should be 1:1 in someone without PCOS. A person with PCOS has a greater amount of LH to FSH.

My RE explained it and my understanding is that the underlying cause for PCOS (or at least some forms of PCOS) is believed to be insulin resistance. Basically, there is something wrong with the insulin receptors so when you do ingest carbs, your pancreas releases insulin but because of the issue with the insulin receptors, the insulin isn't used properly/effectively. As a result your pancreas releases more insulin to try to break down the carbs. So, while you aren't diabetic or pre-diabetic, your body does have a hard time breaking down carbs. This results in an increase of insulin in your body. As a result of the insulin, your ovaries produce an increase amount of androgens (male hormones). In very basic terms, this basically creates a hormone inbalance which prevents you from ovulating or from ovulating some months. One course of treatment is to administer glucophage to help break down the carbs so that your pancreas does not continue to release excessive insulin which ultimately starts the hormone imbalance.

My RE thinks that I am ovulating on my own at least some months (i get positive results using the clear blue easy test) so he told me to cut out carbs from my diet and he is putting me on clomid. I asked him about the glucophage and he said that he would not consider that first step for my case.


ETA: Hope this helps!! This is definitely very new and scary for me so I know how you are feeling.

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

You are so welcome! I know how upsetting this all is.

When my GYN first told me i might have PCOS I got very upset and depressed. I did a lot of research on my own and got even more depressed. So i had a working knowledge of PCOS going into my RE appointment on Monday, but that is how my RE explained it to me.

How long did your RE tell you that you should take glucophage?

I think my PCOS is very mild (I have no other symptons that I know of other than infertility, being slightly overweight and having a tough time losing weight. This really is a wake-up call for me. By cutting out my carbs hopefully I will be able to prolong the onset of diabetes. It is definitely in my genes unfortunately. It just all is difficult to deal with because I did not think I had a problem.

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

I have to take 1 pill/day of 750mg for 2 weeks, then switch to 2 pills/day after that until he tells me to stop.
I also have very mild symptoms. I'm a tiny bit overweight by pounds, but I don't look overweight. My hair and nails grow fast, infertility, when I was younger I had issues with my periods, but not since I got off Birth Control Pills. I ovulate according to tests and my period is regular for the past year and a half so I am not really sure how far the reach is. I did lose a lot before my wedding, but I could never sustain that kind of a lifestyle, wolrking out like crazy 4x/week and barely eating so I do have a very hard time generally losing weight, but I am on WW and working out, however my doc just told me I can't really run or do elliptical at the gym. I can only bike, which now worries me. I have to lose weight, but can't really work out. I have to eat to take pills, but the pills supposedly make you nauseaus and suppress appetite so I have no idea how this will work.

What is your next step?

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

I took Metformin and the only side effect I got was the runs in the beginning until I got used to it.

Good luck

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

my pcos has resolved with the use of glucophage...... yeah!!!!! meaning my insulin has come way down , that along with proper nutrion etc.

but i continue to take it cause it can also help with conception etc....

if you get the runs... there is an xr version that is less intense on the tummy which i take!

been on it for years and i will continue to...... good luck!

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

I had regular cycles but they were annovulatory. I started Metformin and started o'ing my 3rd cycl on it. I conceived ds my 6th cycle. I stayed on it until the second trimester. And gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
I had side effects in the beginning but once I adjusted my diet to low fat/good carb I was fine.

Good luck

Re: Glucophage-PCOS

im on 1000 mg a day on metformin.... no symptoms...