changing from BCP/Spiro to Metformin?

poppy1 · 07-10-2003, 11:02 AM

I'm thinking of going off my BCP/spirolactone meds to switch to metformin. I'm not insulin resistant nor overweight, but have been on BCPs and spironolactone to reduce hair loss (elevated testosterone). Is anyone on metformin who isn't insulin resistant? Is it a better way to go? Will it reduce the associated hair thinning of PCOS? I'm turning 39 and hesistant about keeping on BCPs (have been on and off them since I was 20). TIA for replies.

christyz · 07-10-2003, 01:38 PM

My Dr says he puts every PCOS patient on Met, because many women are IR that show normal labs. He feels some labs that show normal ranges are not normal ranges for that woman. And women who are not IR still get benefits to their testosterone etc.

Here is an article on Non IR women and Met:

http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/21642a.htm

I think you are also wise to go off BCP. It is just my humble opinion, but synthetically surging your hormones isn't fixing the problem of PCOS...the unregulated insulin, testosterone etc. Met treats the source of the problem instead of covering it up.

Hope that helps!

Angie02 · 07-10-2003, 04:55 PM

BCP/spiro was a good treatment--in the early 90's! I think that although it has its place and can be useful for some people, it is an outdated approach to treating the problem. It will not give you the results that met will.

Right now, I am choosing to combine bcp and met because of issues with excessive bleeding, but a goal is to eventually get my hormones under control enough to be on met only.

I encourage you to take the glucophage, it has worked wonders for so many of us. I have been treated for pcos since 1990 (I was 14 at the time) and nothing has worked as well as met, regarding skin, hair loss, weight, blood sugar, and just overall feeling of balance and well being. If the spiro is not doing great things for your hair loss, you definitely might benefit from the met. I found that when my insulin levels started getting under control, my hair started growing in like crazy! I am able to grow it out again, and I wasn't so successful with the spiro alone.

My personal recommendation, however, would be to add the met first and then come off of the other after a few months, otherwise I am concerned that your hormones, and consequently your insulin levels, might get confused and go crazy since you have been on bcps for so long.

Angie

quinci · 08-05-2003, 03:04 PM

I also an not insulin resistant and my endo just told me she prescribes met to all patients with pcos. I was hesitant to start because of all of the negative postings, but took my first dose last night. Can anyone tell me how long it takes the side effects to kick in because I have no effects after 15 hours and am crossing my fingers.

I am on bcp and spiro and would love to get rid of them.

christyz · 08-05-2003, 04:37 PM

Depends on your dosage and how sensitive your body is. Some ladies don't have side effects until they hit 1500 mg, others have problems after their first dose at 500. Hope you're one of the lucky ones.