BC & Metformin for PCOS

[DecemberDream]

First of all, are there any BCP out there that actually help PCOS (other than regulating periods because mine have always been pretty regular), or is it best to stay away from BCP if you have PCOS and don't need them to regulate your cycles? My main symptom is insulin resistance/weight gain and that's where I need help.

If there is a BCP out there that is helpful with PCOS, is it a good or a bad thing to take it with Metformin? Do you recommend one over the other?

I'm not on anything right now although I have been on one or the other in the past. I was on BCP before I was dx with PCOS. I was on metformin to help me get pregnant. Now, I am focusing on losing weight with weight watchers and a lot of exercise. I have a OB/GYN appt coming up soon and I'm thinking about asking for BCP, metformin or both. I haven't found a Dr. who is helpful or knows much about PCOS. Any advice??

Thank you!!

[GovtProf]

If you mainly have insulin resistance then BCP will do nothing for that, in fact, it may make your insulin resistance worse. Also, I find that BCP make me gain weight (usually between 5-25 pounds depending on the brand) and I work out 4/5 times a week hardcore. Kat has posted some great links in the forum about BCP and why women with PCOS should not be on it long time and how BCP makes your more insulin resistant. I can attest to that--- when I am BCP my blood sugar swings more and I have a hard time controlling my blood glucose.

I personally would recommend Metformin over BCP if you are looking to control those two main things-- insulin resistance and weight gain. BCP will make you regular, reduce your risk of cysts, and can lower testosterone... but that is it.

I personally am on Metformin for blood glucose/insulin resistance control and BCP to reduce my testosterone (acne/hair growth) and to prevent pregnancy. So I would go for either Metformin or Metformin with BCP.

[JAIMIELEE317]

The only reason the doc gave me BCP is to regulate my cycle but if your cycle is already regualr then i don't see why you would need them!! I'm alson on met then starting clomid to make me O.. do you O on your own?

[DecemberDream]

I really don't know if I O on my own. I got pregnant while on Met a couple years ago.

[MommyDreams08]

I am doing metformin/ bcp combo mainly to get rid of cysts and to make me regular. If you are already regular and are concerned with IR and weight loss I would just do metformin.

[ginabusque]

[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']I just started Yazmin and already I have noticed a reduction in my lose of hair and hair growth. However, my blood sugar seems to be worse! Has anyone else has this issue and did Yaz have less of an impact on it then yazmin? I was doing fine before I started the pill with my diet and exercise. I have not changed anything except that so I am thinking it may be the culprit.[/FONT]

[GovtProf]

My blood sugar always gets worse on birth control (no matter which one I have tried). I asked my Endo about it and he said that it is fairly common. I also usually gain about 10 pounds which contributes to that effect (my body hates hormones!!) but I personally like being on them for the hair reduction/acne reduction and cycle control that I get. The rise in blood sugar from the BCP is actually the initial reason I went on Met. I was controlling my sugar OK before going back on BCP but once I started I couldn't control it as well.