Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Long-term Metformin Users

Question:

I am wondering what sort of results/changes long-term Metformin users have experienced.  I was on it briefly last spring for 2-1/2 months and didn’t see any positive (no weight change, resume of period, etc.) or negative changes (did not really get sick or bothered by the drug). Have you lost weight, had less hair, gotten regular periods back, etc?  I am probably starting the Met/Clomid combo in March and am hoping a long-term use will see some results. I am thinking I gave up on Met too soon, that 2-1/2 months was to short a time to see significant results. Just curious…Thx, Elizabeth

Response:

> I am wondering what sort of results/changes long-term Metformin users have > experienced.  I was on it briefly last spring for 2-1/2 months and didn’t > see any positive (no weight change, resume of period, etc.) or negative > changes (did not really get sick or bothered by the drug). Have you lost > weight, had less hair, gotten regular periods back, etc?

I ovulated after 6 weeks on metformin, then got pregnant on my first try, after 3.5 months.  I had one normal period before I got pregnant. My cholesterol and other lipids dropped dramatically, and are now normal. I lost 20 pounds before I got pregnant. All in all, I would say metformin has been very helpful to me.  I’ve been on it for about 6 months now.  I would say that 2.5 months wasn’t really long enough for you to evaluate it, especially if you weren’t taking a high dose (2000mg/day or more).  Some women really don’t seem to respond to metformin, but I’d give it another shot, if I were you. Good luck! Reb TTC 10 yrs+ PCOS diagnosed 7/99 Started metformin 8/99 – 2500mg/day Fertility restored 9/99 Normal labs 10/99 Conceived first baby 11/99 EDD 8/11/00

Response:

I’ve been on met 1500 mg/day for three and a half months (and 1000 mg/day for one month before that).  My testosterone levels are nearing normal and I’ve had two normal-length cycles (around 32 days) with ovulations.   I used to have lots of random chin hairs but haven’t had to pluck one since around Christmas, if memory serves. I haven’t been able to lose any weight, but I think that’s more user error than anything else.  I’ve been bucking for a promotion at work and diet and exercise have not been tops on my priority list.  And, regardless of what seems to happen to some, it’s not a given that met will cause you to lose weight without diet and exercise added in.  Bummer, but true.  (I would hypothesize that those who lose weight on met alone are the most severely insulin resistant and possibly have more weight to lose to start with, but I have nothing other than anecdotal evidence on which to base that theory.) I would say that 2 1/2 months probably were not long enough for you to assume that you would see no results.  Most people seem to say you should try it for at least 6 months.  Also, if you had no side effects at all, I’m wondering how high of a dose you were on.  1500 – 2500 mg/day seems to be the range where people start to see results. Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do! Kris estm <e…@teleport.com> wrote in message

news:b6ip4.6238$3W4.44619@news1.teleport.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am wondering what sort of results/changes long-term Metformin users have > experienced.  I was on it briefly last spring for 2-1/2 months and didn’t > see any positive (no weight change, resume of period, etc.) or negative > changes (did not really get sick or bothered by the drug). Have you lost > weight, had less hair, gotten regular periods back, etc?  I am probably > starting the Met/Clomid combo in March and am hoping a long-term use will > see some results. I am thinking I gave up on Met too soon, that 2-1/2 months > was to short a time to see significant results. > Just curious…Thx, Elizabeth

Response:

> I am thinking I gave up on Met too soon, that 2-1/2 months >was to short a time to see significant results.

I think that is too short a time.  I have been on it since May.  Recently I have been "regular".  It takes a little time for most Cysters.  Some need to be on it a year.  Some need the maximum dose.  In any case, after 2 1/2 months, you are just getting started in your therapy.  ^—^ Cathy { ‘ . ‘ }       `  Those who play with cats must expect to be scratched. 4Cysters: http://pages.ivillage.com/bh/cystercat Other pages: http://peaceonearth.faithweb.com http://littlec.faithweb.com http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/cat

Response:

I’ve been on it about a year. The only negatives are that I’ve only lost about 27 to 30 pounds, hirsuitism is still bad. The rest though is peachy. Victoria It took 25 days for me to see the good things, but I’ve heard up to 6 months or so depending on the dosage. You may also be one of the people who don’t respond to metformin. If so, how about actos or avandia? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -estm wrote: > I am wondering what sort of results/changes long-term Metformin users have > experienced.  I was on it briefly last spring for 2-1/2 months and didn’t > see any positive (no weight change, resume of period, etc.) or negative > changes (did not really get sick or bothered by the drug). Have you lost > weight, had less hair, gotten regular periods back, etc?  I am probably > starting the Met/Clomid combo in March and am hoping a long-term use will > see some results. I am thinking I gave up on Met too soon, that 2-1/2 months > was to short a time to see significant results. > Just curious…Thx, Elizabeth

Response:

Hi,   I have only been on Met since January 13th, I am up to 2500mgs a day, I still have had no severe side effects yet. I have a bit of nausea before I go to bed and I wake up with loose bowels but not diahrea. I must be on of the lucky ones. I have not had any sign of a cycle or anything but I just went off of my bcp’s on Monday so I am thinking it will take it a while. All I have is time anyway. God Bless, TracyP Cathy the Cat Loving Cyster wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I am thinking I gave up on Met too soon, that 2-1/2 months > >was to short a time to see significant results. > I think that is too short a time.  I have been on it since May.  Recently I > have been "regular".  It takes a little time for most Cysters.  Some need to be > on it a year.  Some need the maximum dose.  In any case, after 2 1/2 months, > you are just getting started in your therapy. >  ^—^ Cathy > { ‘ . ‘ } >     `  Those who play with cats must expect to be scratched. > 4Cysters: http://pages.ivillage.com/bh/cystercat > Other pages: > http://peaceonearth.faithweb.com > http://littlec.faithweb.com > http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/cat

Response:

Filed under: PCOS Fertility

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