IFBPreachersWife

Maybe not even directly, but indirectly? I ask because I can trip an OPK + at any point of my cycle normally. I also NEVER had periods prior to Met and now they are fairly "normal" So I'm wondering if Met can also help normalize the LH/FSH ratio or if one has absolutely nothing to do with the other. I have no clue where to look for the answer so I was hoping one of you knowledgable ladies would know TIA!

nobimbo

Hi Karen,

Yes, Met can effect LH in that it normalizes insulin levels, which in turn helps to normalize the female hormones. LH is one of the hormones measured in Met research studies on fertility. Here is a link to one as an example:

http://www.royaninstitute.org/seminar01/SeAwAbs-69.htm

Here's another link:

http://64.233.179.104/search?q=cache...&hl=en&start=2

Conclusions from the study in the above link:

Conclusion :

1 - Metformin modulates anthropometric indices (reduces weight and BMI) in PCOS cases.

2 - Metformin significantly reduces LH/FSH ratio and increases FSH levlel in PCOS cases.

3 - Unaltered serum androgens and AUC glucose seems to be due to the short period of treatemnt.

4 - Metformin induced endocrinologic changes in PCOS seem to be due to weight reduction than direct effect of the drug.

(I really think #4 is the author's opinion, and I don't agree with it, from all the other studies I've read and from experiences of women on this board. Some don't experience weight loss with Met, but still have positive changes in their hormones from it.)

Linda

__________________
dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04

IFBPreachersWife

Thanks Linda. I should have known I could count on you for a study or two And what I really appreciate it your deciphering it for me!!!! lol I really had no idea that LH could be affected but I'm hoping that is true in my case. Maybe I'll try the opk's again. As for wt loss, that has NOT been a side-effect of the Met for me Poo....figures! lol