[LauraTTCat42]

Hi my name is Laura (42) DH (41). I was diagnosed with PCOS in 1998 and we are currently TTC my 3rd but our first together.

I do not and have not taken any medications for the PCOS, tho I have had quite a few laparoscopies to have cysts removed. As I am getting older I am battling to manage the PCOS holistically so I am going to my gynae tomorrow and want to ask him to put me on Metformin.

I normally hang out on the TTCOM or AIP boards, but wanted to get to know the ladies here as well and I would like to learn more about treatment options for the PCOS.

[MamaAnna]

I was diagnosed in 2008 while DH and I were TTC #3 (our first together). I hadn't had issues conceiving in the past, but over time things got worse and we needed help. So a similar situation!

What kind of treatment options did you want information about? There is a vast wealth of information in this group. In my own experience I've done Metformin, Soy and Clomid. I know others have done Vitex and a variety of other natural "remedies" along with Femara, injectibles, IUI, IVF, etc. Ask away and we'll do our best to answer every question you can throw at us!

[LauraTTCat42]

Thanks for the welcome

I am really interested in the Metformin, that is for insulin resistance, right? I have put on 33lbs in the last 5 months and can't seem to gain control of it all of a sudden. I think part of the weight gain is the insulin imbalance from the cysts. Are there any side effects with Metformin or any precautions when taking it?

I use soy products in my diet, but it doesn't seem to be helping any more.

If I can tackle the problem with the cysts and insulin (say using Met) and we still don't get pg then we may look at IUI or IVF, but that will be at least 6 months from now.

[-Brandy-]

Hi, I am Brandy and dh is Steve. I was diangosed with PCOS in December and put on 500mg per day Metformin ER (Extended release). From what I have been told you want to request your dr put you on the ER kind as it has far less gastrointestinal side effects. It seems it takes you body a bit to get used to the Metformin and while doing that you may notice an upset stomach and all that is associated with that. For me personally I only had a couple days where it bothered me and then I was back to normal. Others have no issues whatsoever and then some really struggle with the stomach issues. My sister is also on it and found that if she took it right before bed each night it didn't upset her stomach as bad and also I wouldnt suggest taking it on an empty stomach. At this time my dr's do not believe I am insulin resistant, and the bloodwork is not showing it either but the Metformin has done wonders for me with regulating the hormones to allow a normal cycle. I started Met about 2 weeks before this cycle and miraculously I ovulated on Cd16 and looks like I will have my 31 day cycle with a 15 day lp back as well. I am very happy I started taking the Metformin and hope I will be pregnant soon.

I have heard from several that Metformin can cause weightloss, especially if you are having an insulin resistance issue.

[MommaHarvey]

Nice to meet you. My name is Sarah. I've been on Met for 3mo now, and was also on it for my last time TTC. Met can help you loose some weight if you combine it with a lower carb diet. Which if you are insulin resistant is something you should look in to anyway. I also have been taking Phentermine strictly for weight loss since insulin resistant PCOS makes it much harder to jumpstart the loosing process. Not all Dr will prescribe it though, and most insurance won't cover it. I take 500mg of the Met twice a day. Always take it with food or milk so you don't get sick to your stomach, drink as much water as you can because Met is kinda hard on your kidneys and you need to make sure you flush it out as you go, and give it time. I was completely amerorrhea, and anovulatory before the Met. I've now had 1 40 day cycle, and am on CD16 right now and think I may have ovulated somewhere between CD14 and today.

[~* Natasha *~]

Hi Laura, I'm Natasha one of the co-hosts of this board, Nice to meet you!!

I'm currently on Met (the regular, not ER) but I started out on Met ER because it's much easier on the body to get used to as far as the s/e go for some.

I look forward to getting to know you!

[LauraTTCat42]

Went to my gynae on Friday, asked about the Met and he said I have to do 2 fasting blood tests to determine if he can put me on some form of Glucophage, I presume he meant Met, unless we don't have Met here? Not too sure.

Thanks for all of the info

[MamaAnna]

That would mean essentially the same thing. They generally want to check your insulin, glucose, and most importantly your liver before starting that medication. It can cause elevated liver enzymes which can be a big problem if they're already elevated at the start.

I second the low carb diet and also want to mention that too much soy in your diet can actually contribute to infertility. Soy in the right amounts on the right days might aid in ovulation, but too much overall can have the opposite affect.

[LauraTTCat42]

I didn't know that about the soy. I am lactose intolerant so I use soy milk with nearly everything you would use milk with... I am going to start cutting back on that consumption immediately. Thank you Anna!

[MamaAnna]

Welcome.

[MommaHarvey]

Glucophage is just the generic form of Met.

If you are looking to lower your soy try almond milk or coconut milk. I have tried the soy in the past, and still use it to make my smoothies in the mornings.I'm also slightly lactose intolerant. I haven't tried the others but know several people who say the almond milk tastes just the same. Almond and coconut do have more sugar though. There is also the lactose free milk.