My 16 year old daughter has been on Yasmin and spironolactone for a year now for acne and hirsutism. She is physically active and not overweight. When tested, her insulin was low. She has had good results with the Yasmin/spiro and laser treatments. When I questioned the doctor regarding metformin, she recommended that we stick with what is working. I am concerned about long-term bcp use, as I want her body to work as nature intended, and ovulate on its own, eventually. Does anyone have experience with teen and metformin and whether it has worked as well as bcp/spiro to eliminate hair growth and acne? Or has anyone "outgrown" the hormone issues after the teenage years, and been able to eliminate all drugs and control symptoms with diet alone?
Thank you.
I don't know too much about the teen stuff, but OCP's like Yasmin have been shown to actually raise blood sugar. My doc said Yasmin is a cosmetic solution that might actually be worsening PCOS. She let me stay on it as long as I added Metformin to counteract the glycemic effects of the Yasmin. Met might further reduce the cosmetic symptoms anyway. Additionally, taking Metformin now might give your daughter a better chance of being less insulin resistant in the future, and possibly less dependent on medications and more likely to ovulate. Here's a few articles that might help:
Morin-Papunin et al. Metformin Versus Ethinyl Estradiol-Cyproterone Acetate in the Treatment of Non-obese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 2003)
Elter et al. Clinical, endocrine, and metabolic effects of metformin added to ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate in non-obese women with polycycstic ovary syndrome (Human Reproduction 2002)
PS I had those same symptoms as a teen, and they got worse up to and including now (I'm 25). I just added metformin to the yasmin and spiro, so check back with me in a few months if you're interested in the results!
__________________ Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion!
I also had the symptoms as a late teen and after 10 years on BCP I now don't have a period at all and am having a great deal of trouble ttc.
My RE wrote a paper that says BCP make insulin resistance worse. If I were younger and knew what I knew now I would avoid BCP's and take Met. I would exercise and eat really well and reverse my insulin resistance. Then I wouldn't need any meds.
Cheers,
Suz
__________________
Me (34), DH (37)
BFP after two and a half years of learning patience & perseverance
BFP formula: Low GI diet, exercise, 2000mg Met, FSH injectibles, HCG trigger + 3 x HCG boosters
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My RE wrote a paper that says BCP make insulin resistance worse. If I were younger and knew what I knew now I would avoid BCP's and take Met. I would exercise and eat really well and reverse my insulin resistance. Then I wouldn't need any meds.
I truly believe that BCP can make insulin resistance worse. I have been on Metformin for four years without Diabetes or insulin resistance. It has helped all of my PCOS symptoms except for the hair loss. (I take flutamide for that)
My 13 yr old niece is experiencing acne, facial hair growth (neck and cheeks etc...) and is obese. She is quite active, but has a difficult time with these symptoms. Her Pediatric endocrinologist refuses to put her on Metformin. She said that she will prescribed a BCP for her symptoms. I would think that we want to treat the underlying cause and not make it worse. (BCP can cause weight gain and insulin resistance)
That Endocrinologist has been fired and she will be seeing another soon.
__________________ Allison
I have to exercise in the morning, before my brain figures out what the hell I am actually doing To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. . Traditional PCOS - Anovulatory, increased androgens, no insulin resistance
Medications and Supps listed on my profile.
Teens and metformin 
