shoosha

I was on Metformin for 5 months and it continued to upset my stomach every few days. At my request, my endo put me on the XR. And so far I think it has helped my stomach. I am also noticing that my memory has improved (it worsened after I went on the Metformin). Have any of you had a similar experience. Also, do I need to stay on this med for life, or will it help my body even out on its own?

MyBellaGirl

I have been told that XR definitely does help (although I personally have only ever taken this). I have been on it for over a year and it still upsets my stomach, although the episodes are not as severe as they once were. My endocrinologist told me I would have to stay on it forever for the IR--while pregnant, breastfeeding, and after menopause. Yuck!

Hope this helps a little.

wendy321

I started on Met and couldn't take the side effects. I was on the loo with tummy problems every morning for a month and when you have to get the kids to school that just won't do. So I went to the Dr and she gave me Glucophage XR. I can take this with no problem now. I'm up to 1500mg and want to get to 2000mg, been on XR since Oct last year.

CarmenSandiego

Thank you for posting this...I couldn't get a real straight answer about whether or not Met would be more of a long term commitment or a "few years" thing and if it was even recommended for any duration.

__________________
5'10" - 145/150 pound range
Dx'd: August 2007
Sx: Hair loss (that grows back and then starts to shed again - big SIGH! - which I suspect is a result of lower estradiol), challenge to maintain weight
Livin' Low Carb since 2002ish
Meds:
Metformin ER - 1000mg
Spironolactone - 100mg
Prenatals
Biotin

tina_d

I've also been told that I would be on Met long-term. That's one of the reasons I don't really want to go above 1000mg/day, and I'm hoping once I reach my goal weight, I can go down to 500mg/day.

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shoosha

Thanks for your responses this helps a lot! I haven't heard from my endo about whether I have to taper up to the 2000 on the XR, but I'm going to see if I can hold out and stay on the 1000.

funkypetals

I was on the Metformin 1x daily at 500mg and my god it was the worst pain in my life. I couldn't take it. I found though if I switched pharmacies the symptoms were not as bad. Odd I guess different places have different methods of how they get the meds. I tried glucophage thinking ok well maybe the name brand will be better? No...same thing. So I went back to the Metformin at 500mg. Still the worst side effects ever. I tried taking it with food or a meal then with a shake like slimfast or something. Still nothing worked. My doctor actually tried to up my dose to 1000mg a day thinking my body would take to it differently. I even tried the controlled release.. Heh no same thing =) So after about 3 months of pain and suffering I decided against metformin. The side effects were just to much to deal with. I am now on BC and we shall see if I get better results with this. I can't wait for my specialist appointment in August though. Its just I think my PCP doesn't know all she can about PCOS. Oh and about the memory loss...wait what was I trying to say? LOL My memory is completely shot. I guess I'm not the only one with that problem. Trust me when I say I know exactly what you mean!


Best of Luck
Jennifer

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shoosha

It's nice to be able to commiserate! The Metformin/Glucophage XR have helped regulate my mentrual cycle and my PMDD has gotten a lot better. So these meds have helped, even though I had to suffer the horrible GI side effects of Metformin!

I think you will definitely get better guidance and treatment from the specialist. You may want to hold off on the BC if you can, until you see the specialist. My PCP prescribed Yaz to help the PMDD before I saw a specialist. When I finally got in to see the endocrinologist, he took me off BC because it interferes w/ lab results. I had to wait 3 months for it to get out of my system before I could get my lab work done! My situation may be different than yours but I thought I'd alert you of that information.

funkypetals

That is great to know! Thank you shoosha My PCP does not know I am going to a specialist. Heh..that will be fun when she finds out. I wonder then if I should stop taking it. I actually got my period while taking the BC LOL. PCOS is so irritating. Thank god for this support.

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Jaw4789

I was on Metformin (1700mg a day) and it was awful! I could not take the side effects.

I have been on the xr since April and I take it at night before bed and so far no side effects. I also have been losing weight slowly but it coming off.

Joyce

shoosha

Well, since you're on it already and you got your period, I would probably stay on it and wait to see what the specialist says. BC is commonly prescribed for women w/ PCOS who are not trying to get pregnant.

funkypetals

I will do that then TY

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toomuchcoffeelady

I was told forever too - but in my case, the IR/hyperinsulemia is a huge problem. I know it's not necessarily the same for all cysters, though. I have a former friend who also has PCOS, and her endo was trying to wean her off the met for some reason when we stopped talking.

That would actually be an awesome ad slogan:

"50% of marriages end in divorce, but Metformin really IS forever!" :-P

ETA: I can only speak for myself, but the Met only upsets my stomach if I eat something I'm "not supposed to" (given that I have IR/hyperinsulemia). Ie, a big fat chunk of cheesecake will have me over the toilet, but steamed veggies will not. Do I still have cottage cheese thighs, though, of course.

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Me - 29

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H - 34

1 angel baby
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1 failed adoption
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And people question why I can't just "be happy with your career and be grateful for what you DO have."

PCOS, IR, and Hyperinsulemia, also investigating adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid.

H also has some MF that's having us pursue IUI.

Clomid was a big fat failure. Researching both IUI and adoption from another agency & country.