The Facts About Metformin for PCOS
Post Updated on 11/11/19
The prescription drug metformin is one of the most commonly recommended forms of treatment for PCOS.
The reason metformin is prescribed for women with PCOS is that a majority of women with PCOS are insulin resistant or prediabetic. And it is important to stabilize blood sugar levels to avoid long-term health complications like type 2 diabetes.
Just because something is frequently used and recommended doesn’t mean that it is always the best choice.
It is important to take the time to understand metformin and how it works for PCOS in order to weigh the pros and cons as to whether it is the right choice for you.
In this article, you will learn the facts about PCOS and metformin so you can make an educated decision about this treatment option.
Let’s dig in!
What is metformin?
Metformin is in a class of prescription drugs called biguanides. It is one of the most widely used medications in the world and one of the most studied.
It is an oral medication used to control high blood sugar levels. Metformin is used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes.
While the drug is not listed as a treatment for PCOS, it has become one of the most commonly used medications to treat women with PCOS and insulin resistance.
Metformin is also known by these brand names:
Fortamet
Glucophage
Glucophage XR
Glumetza
Riomet
Since metformin has been a round for a long time, it is a very affordable medication. It won’t break the bank. Most insurance companies will cover it as well. Don’t fret about the cost of it if it something you end up taking.
How does metformin work for PCOS?
Metformin’s goal is to decrease your insulin and blood glucose levels.
It works in three ways:
1. It decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
2. It works by increasing the cells’ sensitivity to insulin. The cells can then take insulin into the muscles and use it for energy. This lowers the amount of insulin that remains in the blood.
3. It decreases the amount of carbs your body absorbs.
What are the benefits of metformin for PCOS?
The obvious benefit of metformin is that it lowers your insulin and blood glucose levels.
When you have higher levels of insulin this leads to higher levels of male hormones. And higher levels of male hormones or androgens can cause acne, excess hair growth, hair thinning/loss, and difficulty with weight, and irregular periods. The dreaded symptoms that women with PCOS commonly experience.
Usually, the higher the insulin levels the worse the symptoms present themselves.
If you can keep your blood sugar levels stable, your hormones should begin to balance out and this will help to alleviate PCOS symptoms.
The real key to managing your PCOS successfully to manage your blood sugar levels.
What are the side effects of metformin for PCOS?
Unfortunately, metformin has a lot of unpleasant side effects. These side effects are the reason a lot of women with PCOS don’t want to use metformin.
Side effects include:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
gas
bloating/abdominal distention
constipation
chest discomfort
chills, dizziness
heartburn
physical weakness
muscle pain
upper respiratory tract infection
low blood sugar
abdominal pain
low blood levels of vitamin B-12
a rare and serious complication called lactic acidosis.
Will metformin help you lose weight?
Here are the facts that you need to know about metformin and weight loss.
The reason you were prescribed metformin is that you have elevated blood sugar levels, are insulin-resistant, pre-diabetic, or diabetic. There is no other reason to be prescribed metformin. Metformin is not a weight-loss drug.
The purpose of metformin is to increase insulin sensitivity. It acts by lowering the amount of glucose released by the liver. The goal of the medication is to stabilize your blood sugar levels.
With all of that said, some people will lose weight when they take metformin. This is possible because of metformin’s side effects.
Metformin causes gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Basically, you will become BFF’s with your toilet. And when you feel like this, eating isn’t really something that is high on your list.
So of course, you will lose some water weight and such, but it isn’t going to help you shed tons of pounds. In fact, a study found that after being on metformin for a year the average weight loss was 6 pounds!!!
While you may initially see a change in weight due to the oh-so-wonderful side effects of the drug, don’t get too excited because it isn’t the solution to long-term success. If you really are serious about shedding the pounds you need to follow a plan that involves eating healthy and incorporating exercise into your regimen.
So many women with PCOS are told that metformin is the only way to manage their PCOS and to get pregnant. But do you want to be dependent on medications that make you ill?
Get the guide that will educate you on PCOS and the best treatment options so you can effectively work with your doctor. Get the care and treatment you deserve.
The only resource you need to manage your PCOS successfully!
How do you take metformin for PCOS?
Metformin is taken orally. It comes in a large, white non-coated pill that can’t be split, broken, or crushed.
It is best taken in split doses about 12 hours apart with meals. So, the ideal time would be with breakfast and dinner.
If your insulin resistance or blood sugar levels are severely elevated your doctor may have you take it three times a day.
If you need to take it three times a day, it is recommended to take it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The dosing would be up to your doctor, but doses can range from 500mg-2250mg.
It is recommended that dosage is gradually increased by your doctor. This should help with side effects and help you find the correct dosing needed.
*It is recommended to take it with food because of the common gastrointestinal symptoms that occur.
What are some precautions about taking metformin for PCOS?
The FDA is testing metformin for NDMA which is a carcinogen. NDMA is classified as a possible human carcinogen and is known to cause cancer in animals. The presence of NDMA is what prompted a recall of the popular heartburn medication Zantac and blood pressure medications.
Individuals with impaired kidney function should not take metformin as it can lead to an increase in lactic acidosis, which is when too much lactic acid builds up in the blood. This can be very serious and fatal.
Metformin is a potent medication and can interact with other medications.
It is important to discuss with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure there aren’t any interactions between any medications you are currently taking.
Metformin interacts with iodinated contrast imaging procedures.
If you are planning to have any surgeries or x-rays where there is injectable dye you will have to stop treatment briefly. It is best to discuss this with your doctor prior to anything being done.
You should not drink alcohol while you are taking metformin. Alcohol consumption and metformin can increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis which can be fatal.
Metformin can affect vitamin B12 absorption. It is important to have your doctor check your levels while you are on the medication, especially with long-term use.
There aren’t a lot of studies about metformin use during pregnancy, and opinions vary. If you are looking to become pregnant or are pregnant please consult with your physician about the use of metformin.
Metformin can pass through breast milk, so it is not recommended to consume while breastfeeding.
Are there natural alternatives to metformin for PCOS?
Yes, there are natural alternatives to metformin. Studies have shown that these natural alternatives have shown results that are better or just as effective as metformin.
One of the most studied supplements for improving insulin sensitivity is inositol.
These natural alternatives are worth researching and trying first. If you want to learn more about these natural alternatives, I break it all down for you in the articles linked above.
Is metformin the right choice for you?
That depends.
What is your lifestyle like?
Have you made any diet and lifestyle modifications first?
Have you tried everything you possibly can?
Only you know these answers.
If you have tried natural methods, made diet and lifestyle modifications, and still can’t control your blood sugars, then metformin probably would be the next step.
If you haven’t really tried eating healthy, exercising, and adding supplements to your regimen then you might want to start there.
At the end of the day, it is best to be informed about the medication, your lifestyle, and what you are willing and not willing to deal with. Have an open discussion with your doctor about the benefits versus the risks.
Weighing the pros and cons of metformin for PCOS
The commonly prescribed drug metformin is a treatment option for women with PCOS. Hopefully, you have weighed the pros and cons of taking metformin and are educated about your decision. Knowledge is power especially when it comes to your health!
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You deserve better than being chained to the toilet each day, afraid to live your life because you never know when your stomach is going to roar. Take control of your life today and you won’t have to worry about your health in the future.
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