Is it enough???

dnf · 09-09-2003, 12:48 PM

Ladies, I really could use some words of wisdom.

I've been on Met, worked my way up to 2550g, for about 6 months. I have seen some improvements, ie. periods regular, think I'm ovulating regularly, & drop in androgen levels - Testosterone went from 57 to 37, and DHEA's dropped from just over normal range to a high normal. I do all the right things, low carb/exercise/supplements.

My greatest problem is hair loss. It hasn't let up. In fact, the last 3 months, my daily hair shed has more than doubled. It's now been almost 3 yrs of hair loss and I'm struggling greatly, with this right now.

In your experience, is Met enough in stopping or reducing hair loss? Has anyone experienced anything positive or negative regarding their hair loss while on Met? I'm having difficulties with my doctors, because now that my androgen levels are "more normal", they don't want to prescribe an anti androgen. I can't take BCP's due to increased stroke risk. And I'm hugely disappointed, that Met has had no impact on my hair as of yet.

Is there anything left for me to do? I would really love to hear anything you all have to share. I'm just at a loss.

Dani

christyz · 09-09-2003, 02:07 PM

I'm sorry you're struggling,Dani.

I lose way less hair than I used to before Met, but my hair is so thick, I never had any bald spots or thinning or anything..just coming out in gobs. It has improved a lot, but I still lose more hair than most people. For me, Met's improvements are enough, but my hair loss was never as severe as many other people's, so it is an individual question.

How Met helps another woman, isn't how it necessarily will affect us. We all have to look at our own symptoms and say "Is this helping this symptom enough for ME?". Met (with diet and exercise) has normalized my insulin, free androgen, testosterone, cholestoral and lowered my weight by 25%. Those are all wonderful things that have made my life so much better. But I'm having laser surgery done for my neck/chin hair, because for *that* symptom, the drug isn't enough. I give met credit for making my quality of life better than I ever dreamed possible, but it doesn't mean it is a cure-all. It works differently in every woman and simply doesn't take away every symptom.

Having said that, I think 6 months is not the end of what Met can do you for you. The drug didn't even really begin working for me until I had been on it for 13 months. So more time may improve things even more as your labs normalize. If it were me, I would remain on it and give it time to make you NORMAL FOR YOU. My testosterone has been in normal limits for 6 months, but it continues to drop, which tells me, what is normal for me, is lower than the normal lab value. Labs are a guide, and you need to give it time to help your body determine it's own normal.

Hope it helps.

kristensmom · 09-09-2003, 02:21 PM

I whs I had some really strong words of wisdom, but i seem to be in the SAME boat as you. I am the ONLY lady in my entire family to have this Hair loss probelm. Everone else has nice think hair, except me.
I have some good days though. i will say that much, but I still ose by the handfulls.
BIG HUGS coming your way

KYBluegrass · 09-09-2003, 03:19 PM

The hair thing for me took a little while to turn around. Like Christy, I have seen improvement in many of my symptoms, and the hair thing has taken the longest. But, I will say that it took at least 6 or 7 months before I saw new hair growing in. It did take a while, and I may never have my hair as thick as it used to be, but it is a small sacrifice I am willing to make, because I just feel so much better!

dnf · 09-10-2003, 07:12 AM

kristensmom - (((HUGS))) to you too. Are you on anything other than Met to hell with the hair loss? If I ever get any more cooperation from my doctor, I'll glady let you know.

KYBluegrass - You and Christyz are such strong and positive examples for us all here. You both give us that are feeling low, lots of hope. Thanks for kick starting my fighting spirit.

christyz - First, thanks for all the time and effort you put into the Metformin forum. I was at my wits end yesterday and couldn't think straight and you thoughtful post allowed me think things through a bit more clearly. After 6 months, Met clearly isn't enough for my hair loss problem and I feel as though I can't afford to wait for possible improvements. Now, next step, is to figure out what else I can do to help this.

OK, here is my next question. My free androgen index and DHEA-s have now lowered themselves to the high normal range. Just because they aren't outside the boundaries, doesn't mean that they are at the levels that are ideal for me. My doctor disagrees with this, and thinks 'cause "it's IN normal, it IS normal". Any thoughts or suggestions as to how to go about convincing him otherwise? Or am I simply *GULP* wrong in my "what is normal" belief?

I have an appointment next week to discuss my latest blood results and I'm trying to prepare the best I can for it. I expect a lot of close-mindedness from him.

Once again, thanks!

Dani

KYBluegrass · 09-10-2003, 11:52 AM

Normal lab ranges may not be normal for you. I know women who, by lab standards, are not hypothyroid, but the doc put them on thyroid meds, and for them, it improved things. Lab ranges are not always correct for everyone. Even though you are in the high normal, it may not be good enough for you to have adequate symptom control. Unfortunately, some docs are that way...once you get in range they think their work is done. You need to express to him that you are not seeing adequate symptom control yet, and possibly suggest that you give this more time. you are at the highest dose I would feel safe taking, so I wouldn't go any higher there. I would want to give this more time to see what your labs will do. If I remember from your post, it's been six months, and for some of us, it takes longer. I'd be willing to bet your labs aren't done moving yet.

I don't want to draw any premature conclusions here, but I hope your doc isn't wanting to take you off the drug now that you're in "normal" range. I have been taking this drug for over a year and a half, and my understanding is that I will take it for life. Throughout my weight loss, my dosage has never been lowered or adjusted, because that's what I need to keep my hormone levels in check. If this doc will not listen to your reasons or your feelings, it's time to vote with your feet and see another doc. You know your body best...what's normal for him may not be normal for YOU.

dnf · 09-10-2003, 12:24 PM

Quote:

I don't want to draw any premature conclusions here, but I hope your doc isn't wanting to take you off the drug now that you're in "normal" range

If he even dares to try this, I'll whack him over the head with a bratwurst.

christyz · 09-10-2003, 12:30 PM

KY's response is exactly what I would have said (The evil twins unite...!). MOVE ON. You CAN'T CHANGE the mind of a physician who has such rigid thinking. You have to fight for what is best for you, and if he isn't willing to budge, you need to find a better advocate.

If you *do*b see him again, better take your spare bratwurst with you.

Your dr appears to be on e of the most old school thiners who doesn't see how taking us off the drug is often removing the one thing that helped us "normalize".

We're here to support you and I hope that you get the help you need.