How do I ask my Doc for Metformin? (thin cyster)

[bethygirl83]

Hi, I am new to this site and am excited about all of the great information!

I have been doing some research on PCOS (I was just dxd in 2008 but have had documented cysts since age 11) and I keep coming across the effects Metformin has for people with PCOS.

I have ovulated about twice since going off BCP in August of last year, and have done a trial of Provera and Clomid (3 mos) but the stress of TTC and having no results got to me so we decided to put it off for the summer and start again in the fall. I am currently not on anything and have wanted to ask my doctor about Metformin but am afraid he won't see the reasoning for it since I am not overweight and don't have diabetes (he tested me 2 years ago due to frequent and severe yeast infections).

I know I have insulin resistance, as I was told that by an endocrinologist 2 years ago. I recently went to a dermatologist and had 6 skin tags removed from under my breasts and on my neck, and there are several dark spots and new skin tags under my breasts still. It's quite embarrasing when you want to wear a bikini to the pool! I also think that I have hypoglycemic attacks (sugar or carbs always help) but I have never been able to prove it.

I have always been told I am too thin by my mother (but don't they always say that?) and over the past 2 years I have gained 20 pounds. I am 5'7" and have maintained a weight of 130-140 since high school. However over the last 2 years (could be due to metabolism slowing down now that I am in mid 20s) I have gradually gained 20 pounds, putting my highest weight at 162, and I am fighting like a madman to get it off! My current weight is 151 and I am feeling pretty good, but it has taken the help of the hcg diet to get it to come off, as nothing else worked! I am hoping that with my diet change and continued exercise I will be able to maintain my weight. My goal is to get back to 140.

Anyway, from what I have seen, I would like to give metformin a try but don't quite know how to ask my doc for it. He is a very esteemed doc in my area and people fight to try to get in to see him. I consider him very knowledgeable and capable, but I am just afraid that he won't see the reasoning in taking Metformin since he has never offered it to me before.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time!

Bethany

[KatCarney]

You might want to read through the information in this link so that you have a 'research based' reason to request metformin, rather than anecdotal>>

http://www.soulcysters.net/metformin...i-take-281499/

It might also be a good idea to ask your doctor the reasoning behind your current course of treatment, and any future treatments based on a) your personal health goals and b) your current lifestyle habits.

[bethygirl83]

TY! This is very helpful!

[SLD32]

Hey bethygirl83! Just wanted to send you a quick note! I am not exactly sure how to go about asking for metformin but wanted to give you a glimpse at my story. I am a little over 5'11" and weigh just under 150 lb. I was diagnosed back in January with PCOS because I told my doctor that my periods seemed to be really long - some were 32 days, some were 42 days. She decided to go ahead and have me get a blood test. From that she determined that I have PCOS. I do not have any other symptoms - except occassionaly notice if I don't eat I feel like I might die! But we are ttc and she suggested we try on our own for a few months. Once I read up on PCOS, I realized that diet and exercise can affect the symptoms. So I immediately changed my diet - cut out caffeine completely, cut down alcohol intake, and eat ONLY whole wheat/grain bread, pasta, etc. The past 6 months I have been charting and my af has been almost completely "normal" just from those changes and I am ovulating (based on bbt, etc). The longest cycle was 32 days. BUT we still have not had any luck - so my doctor said to go ahead and take the metformin. I started taking it about 7 days ago. Just taking one pill a day and will up it to two a day tomorrow. I have had a few side affects (upset stomach, etc) but not too bad. I don't have any success stories with BFP but hopefully soon!

I don't know if that helps you or not - but thought it may be good to share so you have some examples to go off of!

Best of luck to you!

[Yasmin8]

What is the most effective dose of metformin for thin women with pcos? I am currently on 1000 mg for the last two weeks. I have taken 1500mg in the past but discontinued (got lazy).

[sweet_mimi]

hi there! i'm 5'9" and about 160 give or take a few my dr actually told me about and asked if i'd like to try it. i said heck yes and have been on it for a year and it's the closest to normal cycles i've been in my whole life.

[Mademoiselle]

I'm also 5'9" and 160lb. The Consultant Gynaecologist/Endriconologist (yes he was both! how fabulous ) said I could continue as I am, as I have a healthy diet and exercise regularly, or I could try Yasmin (BCP) or Metformin.

At the minute, I'm weighing up my options and waiting to hear back from some blood tests that were taken.

I've never been on the BCP in my life, through personal choice (although it's been 'pushed' on me since the age of 14 as my periods have always been erratic) and I don't know if I want to start now. Metformin seems the best option for me, although I am worried about it potentially inhibiting my athletic performance.

Maybe try making it clear that you no longer wish for your PCOS to be controled via BCP and ask for an alternative. The only other common alternative is metformin.

Best of luck x

[KatCarney]

Maybe try making it clear that you no longer wish for your PCOS to be controled via BCP and ask for an alternative. The only other common alternative is metformin.

It isn't really accurate to call Metformin and 'alternative' to BCP's...

[Mademoiselle]

It isn't really accurate to call Metformin and 'alternative' to BCP's...

Hi there, Kat

Why not? I'd like to hear your thoughts behind this statement....

I'm obviously not ignorant enough to think that Metformin is a form of birth control, but both help to control the hormone imbalances that come with PCOS. Metformin obviously does this through assisting the metabolism, BCPs more directly through intake of hormone. Metformin has the advantage of acting directly upon insulin, granted, whereas BCPs do not.

Since I do not require birth control at the minute, Yasmin and Metformin were explained to me as an 'either/or' option and effects of both drugs were explained to me, so that I could make the decision. I was told I could also take them together if needs be. Although not directly related and in the same category as (for example) Yasmin and Microgynon would be, in relation to their effects upon the symptoms of PCOS, I'd say in most cases you could class them as 'alternatives'.

[KatCarney]

Metformin has the advantage of acting directly upon insulin, granted, whereas BCPs do not.

Exactly. They exert different actions on the body. Metformin is an 'option' for pcos treatment(for some women)...but it's not really accurate to say that it's an 'alternative to BCP's'.

Current theory is that metformin is not recommended for all women with pcos.

The links are in this thread:

http://www.soulcysters.net/metformin...i-take-281499/

[Mademoiselle]

Exactly. They exert different actions on the body.

Different actions, yes, but with similar desired outcomes I know these two drugs don't go hand in hand....just like sucking fat out with a hoover-type device is a world away from a run on the beach, but I'd still say healthy diet and exercise is an alternative to liposuction. I think it's just my choice of word we're disagreeing on here.

Really informative link...thanks for that Kat. I'm going to go and have a close look at the 'Metformin' board to learn more about users' personal experience with the drug, but is it not common knowledge that Metformin is a long-term solution, with best effects being reaped after 6 months plus?

In one of these studies, subjects were only placed on Metformin for 3 months and in another timescale isn't mentioned at all!

It's very taxing and confusing trying to work out the real benefits and pitfalls of a drug when there appears to be so much conflicting information to hand.

I'll keep researching Thanks for your help so far.

[KatCarney]

Different actions, yes, but with similar desired outcomes

I wouldn't agree with that either.

But if you can point to some research that shows that the outcome of a metformin protocol is 'similar' to that of a BCP protocol in women with pcos, I'll post it in the research section.

I'd still say healthy diet and exercise is an alternative to liposuction. I think it's just my choice of word we're disagreeing on here.

Using that example, I'd say yes...it's the word choice.

Since many (if not most) women here are looking for clarity with medical issues, I tend to be a stickler for words.

(And for the record, lipo is 'not' an alternative to healthy diet & exercise from a medical standpoint. Maybe a 'cosmetic' alternative...but not a 'medical one' - there have actually been studies on the non-impact (medically speaking) of fat loss from lipo.)

It's very taxing and confusing trying to work out the real benefits and pitfalls of a drug when there appears to be so much conflicting information to hand.

No argument there!

But for many the 'benefits and pitfalls' depend more on personal health situation and goals more than the fact that a woman is diagnosed with pcos.

The best thing to do is keep reading and researching and talking things over with your doctor. (I used to send studies to my doctor by fax with a note: Please read...I will want to discuss this at my appt tomorrow.)

With many of the links in the thread I posted, you can pull the full studies at PubMed. When looking at them, be sure to take note of the 'dates' the studies are published.

[bethygirl83]

TY! I have cut out caffeine - not completely yet, I allow one soda on the weekends. But I have noticed a difference there. I am trying to eat healthier and hope that will also help me. Thanks for the info!