Newly dx--could use any info about how to get Dr. to prescribe Metformin

Sarah M. · 08-14-2002, 08:16 AM

Hi. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS after 16 months TTC. I'm an American ex-pat living in the UK due to my English DH. Right now I'm finding the NHS a really frustrating place to try to get treated. I have 32 kg to lose, but I am really struggling with the diet and would like to give Metformin a try. I have not been tested for IR yet, but have been reading that Metformin has been showing some really good results even in PCOSers who aren't IR. I'd really appreciate any info anyone has about how they deal with the Dr.s here or if you have any success or problems while on Metformin. Thanks. It's nice to have someone to talk to about this.

hunterli · 08-14-2002, 09:03 AM

Actually, all I did was ask!

My GP thought it was a good idea (lucky for me he is interested in PCOS), so he referred me to the Gynae specifically asking if the Gynae thought it would be worth a try, and the Gynae agreed! And I'm NOT TTC.

But I know other ladies haven't had it so easy.

Good Luck!

Lis

lasmus31 · 08-14-2002, 10:24 AM

Hi Sarah,

Metformin is only licensed as treatment for Diabetes type 2 in the UK and not PCOS. My GP said that he had heard of the benefits to PCOS patients but that he didn't feel he was able to prescribe it. I was referred to an Endocrinologist who put me on it (with a little persuasion) and now my GP is happy to provide repeat prescriptions.

Get yourself referred as soon as you can and don't take no for an answer!

Look forward to seeing you on the boards.

hampshire hog · 08-14-2002, 11:41 AM

my gp, has pcos, so talking to her about my problems are easy to reffer to,as she knows what im going through....but as for metformin, she didnt really know that much about it, concerning the link with pcos.....i made an appointment to see her, and took a magazine cutting, about the benefits pcos suffers get when taking metformin...as i said she didnt know too much about it...but agreed to take some blood....and see what the results were.
i went back a couple of weeks later and she had done her research into metformin/pcos link....and was happy to prescribe me met!...im not insulin resistant..i started on 1/2 a tab aday for a few weeks then gradually built up to 2 tabs a day...i couldnt quite get to the recommended dose of 1500mg, as i could never seem to force myself to eat breakfast...anyhow that was 6 months ago...and im 7weeks pregnant!

heres hoping you can get prescribed met!

u do know failing that, you can actually buy metformin on-line!!

cheers

gina

NYbird · 08-14-2002, 09:13 PM

Hi Sarah!

Sounds like we're in the same boat... I'm American and my dh is Brit/Kiwi, and we've just married in May and moved to the UK.

I'm getting used to the NHS too... after many, many persistant phone calls to my GP and the gyn, I have my first gyn appointment in two weeks. The NHS is very trying, but so far my GP has been very responsive. In fact, I've had ammenorhea forever and no one ever diagnosed PCOS. She suggested it after talking with me for 5 minutes! I'm hoping to have met prescribed too... DH and I are ttc, and it would make sense to treat the underlying cause of not ovulating, instead of having to take clomid. Do you have good research to take with you to the doctor?

Email me if you would like... I have a load of info and can send you some links. jennnifer@pondhopper.com
It's nice to find someone from the other side, too

Take care,
Jen