I am 18 years old and have just been diagnosed with PCOS, I have very mixed feelings about this, but mostly I am just happy to finally know everything is not my fault. I have always been overweight, but I became obese when i hit puberty, I am now 5'5" and weigh roughly 245lbs. I started taking Spirnolactone and Metformin one week ago and have lost 10 lbs! I am very happy and hope this continues but i am also very eager for more information. Firstly, My symptoms are Amenorrhea, Trouble losing weight, Excessive facial hair and have slightly elevated levels of of male hormones. Today after several years without menstrating i got my period, And i wanted to know if it is normal, after being without for so long, for my first period to be heavy? And have had a slight problem with the metformin, the other day i had a HYPOglycemic reaction, and i told my doctor, she still thinks i need the metformin, now, i am not eager to change my meds since they seem to be working, but, if i dont have high blood sugar is it a danger to put me on metformin? also, I Sing, and have a very unique, low voice. Could trying to change the level of male hormones in my body make my voice higher? or will my voice remain the same? I have worked very hard my entire life to refine my singing voice and would not like to lose this. I aslo have had several other life long conditions that I am wondering if they could be caused, or worsened by PCOS, They are: many Alergies (food, contact, and seasonal), Asthma (frequency lessens with age but severity worsens). And Severe Eczema. I would also like to hear about natural fertility treatments as my religious beliefs forbid things like IFV. Also, i would like to know if there is a good service for finding a decent doctor for this condition In the chicagoland area or madison,Wisconsin area.
Sorry about all the questions but Maybe if each person took one it wouldn't be so bad!,
BTW, my voice didn't change AT ALL once my testosterone levels dropped down to normal. I work in broadcasting, and have records of my voice 'before and after'. No change
I can tell you that my voice didn't change at all after I started taking Metformin. All the Met will do is help you metabolize the chemicals you make on your own better. It has nothing to do with the levels of testosterone in your system. I sing too, so I know exactly what you're talking about.
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I'm so glad you have got a diagnosis and are taking Met. I just started it a few weeks ago and have only lost 3 pounds, but I was stalled out for almost a year at 185 pounds. When I was diagnosed 3 years ago I was about 227 or so. I started on a modified low-carb diet and lost my weight from that. My doc said my diet was healthy and that and the weight loss probably helped in my getting pregnant so quickly. My headaches, etc. went away after going on the diet, so I went off of OTC pain meds, and the doc said that probably helped too.
I've heard that when you have a period after not having one for a while it can be very heavy because of the buildup. Hopefully you will be regular now and they will go back to normal.
Met. regulates your insulin levels, so you may have to eat three times a day since your body is now better able to deal with sugar. Check out the Met. board for more info
My allergies turned out to be food allergies. I still have slight seasonal allergies, but since going off of bread they are so much better!
I am also a Melissa...heh! I'm new here too, but I'm glad you found out so young. I have had and am still having many of the problems you have described and have not been checked for PCOS yet. I have never been able to get a doctor to listen to me and have gone through my whole life thinking everything was my fault. 10lbs lost...wow!!! That is so great!! I'm not at home right now, but when I get home next week, finding a doctor will be one of my main priorities. I'm so ready to be a mom.
I can't answer all of your questions, but I'll take a stab at some of them.
First - it is totally normal to have a heavy period after not having one for a long time. Your uterine lining had a long time to get very thick & now needs to be sloughed off, which will make for a heavy cycle. However, if you're passing large clots (think golf ball size) or going through outrageous amount of pads/tampons in a short amount of time, talk to your doc immediately.
Second - I also sing, and I noticed no change in my voice whatsoever while taking metformin.
Third - I'm not sure about your reaction to metformin, but my blood sugar levels were totally normal and I had no side effects other than some mild stomach problems while my body adjusted to the med. I used the metformin to help regulate my hormone levels so that I'd start ovulating again. To answer your question, it should not be a danger to you and it may just be a temporary reaction while your body adjusts. Make sure you keep in touch with your doc about it, though.
I think that's about all I'll be able answer. Hope that helps!
Lots of Questions 
