How long will Metformin take to work w/PCOS?

Question

I have recently been diagnosed w/PCOS and began taking Metformin last week. I'm on 500mg of the XR (extended release) version. I haven't had a period since Nov. 2006. Should I expect to get a period soon, or after 30 days, like a normal cycle? I'm not overweight (5'6"/122) and I don't have acne or hair problems. My only signs of the PCOS were irregular periods (which were corrected while I was on bc) and cysts on my ovaries. Do you think I'm on the right dose? We are ready to concieve, how long til this is in my system? Also, will having a beer or two mess me up w/this medicine?

Answer 1

It takes at least 2-4 weeks for the medication to stabilize your system. I personally am on 2000mg for Metformin daily and have been for some time.

All though it seems that woman who do not have extreme PCOS (overwt, facial hair etc.) Seem to respond to the Metformin more quickly than those who (like me) have the more extreme PCOS. I would say at least a month or 2 and don't be surprised if your doctor has you take clomid shortly.

As far as the alcohol, your not supposed to drink while your taking Metformin but occasionally a glass of wine or beer won't hurt, just don't make a habit of it.

Answer 2

I have sever PCOS, and was recently prescribed Metformin. I have only been on it for around five days. I am currently on 500mg twice daily. My doctor told me that for women that have a more sever case of PCOS, that it may take longer than a woman with a less sever case of PCOS. Usually for any type of new medication it takes about two to four weeks to fully build into the system. I go back in a month, (Nov.30.15) and if I see no changes, then she may put me on another medication that will help. Give it another week, and look out for any changes. I wish you the best in luck! (:

Answer 3

I had poblems with conception and wasn't really diagnosed with PCOS, but showed some signs of it. My doc prescribed it (500 mg) and it worked immediately. I don't know if it was just a coincidence or what...but I got pregnant immediately! It was crazy! lol.

Everyone will react differently to the meds. My husband and I are trying for a second child. My periods have been coming every 4 months...which really makes it hard to conceive. I've been on the Metformin since Sept and nothing yet. My periods are still coming about every 4 months. Don't give up and keep going.

If you're trying to actively conceive, you shouldn't be drinking beer anyways. Stay away from the stuff. If you're having irregular periods...you'll never know when you could be pregnant and you don't want to risk the health of your child by consuming alchohol.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

it says DO NOT take alcohol with this medicine! be careful!

Answer 5

Metformin (Glucophage) is a pharmaceutical drug often prescribed for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It is an insulin-sensitizing biguanide commonly used to treat elevated blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes. Metformin is used as an off-label prescription for PCOS. This means that it was originally used only for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes but is now prescribed for PCOS patients because it has similar actions in both groups.

Many women with PCOS are insulin resistant. With this condition, the ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in transporting glucose (sugar) from the blood stream into muscle and tissue is greatly diminished. Metformin improves the cell’s response to insulin, and helps move glucose into the cell. As a result, your body will not be required to make as much insulin (1).
PCOS and Metformin Studies
PCOS and it’s symptoms of hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism, alopecia), reproductive disorders (irregular menses, anovulation, infertility, polycystic ovaries), and metabolic disturbances (weight gain) have been linked to hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance (2). Therefore, it makes sense to address the hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance caused by this condition.

Studies have reported the treatment of Metformin to improve hirsutism, induce ovulation and normalize menstrual cycles (1). For example, according to one study, which looked at 39 women with PCOS and hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin in the blood), treatment with Metformin for women with PCOS resulted in a decline of insulin as well as total and free testosterone, leading to significant improvement of clinical manifestations of Hyperandrogenism (the excessive production of androgens in women) and an improvement in menstrual cycles (3). However, studies have also shown weight loss through exercise and changes in diet and lifestyle alone to be as effective in regulating menstrual cycles and showing improvement in hyperandrogenism (4, 5).
Metformin – Side Effects
Many women prescribed Metformin must discontinue its use due to the gastrointestinal side effects. The most commonly reported adverse effects include diarrhea, gas and bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting (1, 6). Another consideration of Metformin therapy is its effect on B12 absorption. Ten - 30% of people receiving long term Metformin therapy develop B12 malabsorption, which could potentially lead to anemia.

It has also been shown that treatment with Metformin may increase homocysteine levels (amino acids found in the blood), which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis or fatty deposits in blood vessels (7).

The contraindications in using Metformin include liver failure, alcoholism, compromised renal function, hypoxic conditions and moderate to severe infections. These conditions predispose women to having lactic acidosis, which is a life-threatening complication and carries a mortality rate of 30% - 50% (1).
A Complete System for Reversing PCOS
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Insulite Laboratories’ view on the pharmaceutical treatment of PCOS – including Metformin - is that there is no one drug on the market that will change your condition. The only way to reverse the disorder is to reduce elevations in insulin which directly affect testosterone and other hormonal changes that are responsible for causing PCOS. Metformin can impact weight loss, infertility, acne and other PCOS-related symptoms however, the results are variable. There are also many negative side effects with the treatment of Metformin that can impact your health.

To address the cause of PCOS and Insulin Resistance, the Insulite PCOS System has several elements. The PCOS + formula is designed to reduce circulating testosterone, increase sex hormone binding globulin and support liver function and hormone metabolism. The other elements are designed to reduce insulin secretion, reverse damage to the cardiovascular system due to imbalances in glucose and insulin and prevent insulin and glucose spiking during mealtimes. Nutritional and exercise guidelines are provided along with a support network to enhance weight loss success as this is a critical step in reversing PCOS

The Insulite PCOS System has been designed specifically with the PCOS user in mind. Because the genesis of most ovarian cysts is affected by insulin, the Insulite PCOS System is an important strategy for reducing not only the condition but also Insulin Resistant, the root cause of PCOS.