ok my doc prescibed birth control pills to regulate me but is metformin a fertility drug ?? and doies metformin regulate your periods im new to this i do wanna get pregnant soon so i dont wanna take the birth control and i need to know which pill best to take to regulate you and help u get pregnant and does insurance pay for the drugs like they do birth control or am i gonna pay hundreds???
2007-11-15 05:59:44 · 6 answers · asked by jstacks_2008 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Trying to Conceive
I also have PCOS and I have been on metformin since June of this year. If I were you, I would not take the birth control pill, because all it does is mask the symptoms of PCOS, it doesn't treat the core of the problem, which is insulin resistance. Metformin, which is normally given to diabetics, treats the insulin resistance...and when the insulin resistance is treated, then the symptoms of PCOS usually improve. It is important to understand that not all women will react the same way to the Met, and it can take up to 6 months on the correct dosage to see its effects. I hadn't had a period in 3 years at least, and I got one just two months after starting the Met, so yes it can regulate you. Some women say it hasn't helped them though...so I hope you will be one of the lucky ones! I take 1500 mg a day. The recommended dosage is 1500-2500 mgs a day...so at my next doctor's appt I am going to ask her to up my dosage to 2000 mg. Metformin isn't a fertility drug per se, but I have heard of lots of women conceiving just by correcting their insulin resistance with it...others have to go to fertility meds like Clomid.
It's not too expensive, but it is on Walmart $4 prescription list, so you can get it there for only $4!!! Clomid is also on that list for $9 if you have to go that route.
Also, some people have adverse reactions until you get used to taking it. I worked my way up...started with 1 pill a day for week, then two pills a day for a week, then finally up to the 3 pills a day. The most common side effects are nausea and diahhrea. I didn't have that too badly, nothing that would make me stop taking it. It went away after a few weeks. But it also helps if you eat right...there is a diet called the Insulin Resistance Diet that is supposed to be good for us and there is also a PCOS Diet Book that I have read as well that is decent.
I hope I helped a little!
2007-11-15 06:21:43 · answer #1 · answered by amethystjemma 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Metformin is not a fertility drug. It is used to help control insulin resistance, which is a common occurence in women who have PCOS. Birth control can help regulate your cycles also, not just for pregnancy prevention. Some women who come off of birth control with PCOS find that they have normal cycles and are ovulating (Myself included, though I didn't realize at the time what I do now!) After actively trying to conceive if you do have trouble (not all women who have PCOS have trouble conceiving) you should talk to your gyno, or get a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist. Depending on what type of insurance it may or may not cover these treatments and visits. You can call your insurance company or if there's a website it will usually give you information on what kind of medical is covered and how much.
Many women with PCOS find that with regular diet and exercise, they lose a few pounds (if necessary) and resume normal cycles and ovulation. Have you discussed your options with your doctor?? The best way to find out is to discuss all your questions and concerns with your doctor, they are there to help!! And just because they are doctors, doesn't mean they know everything that is going on with you. Good luck to you!
Try the book "A Patient's Guide to PCOS: Understanding--and Reversing--Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" by Walter Futterweit.
http://www.amazon.com/Patients-Guide-PCOS-Understanding-Reversing-Polycystic/dp/0805078282/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195154191&sr=1-1
Or if you live near a Barnes & Noble you can always go there and go to the women's health section and find several books on the condition, fertility and treatments!! That's where I found this one.
2007-11-15 14:18:34 · answer #2 · answered by Jamie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually taking Birth Control pills helps get rid of the cysts on your ovaries and can help with your pcos. I wouldn't stay on it a long period of time if you plan on ttc soon. However your dr. knows what is best and if he prescribed you those meds he's doing so in your best intrest. As far as the price. Metformin is covered by my insurance but they only allow me a certain amount of pills every 30 day. Clomid (you'll probably be prescribed this when you do TTC) cost me about $15 (for 50mg).
2007-11-15 14:40:38 · answer #3 · answered by Stacy H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Metformin is not a fertility drug. It is given to people with Pcos to regulate the periods because it controls the insulin levels.
It is safe to use. Just make sure you have it with food otherwise you will feel dizzy.
Try to cut down the foods which are high in carbs.
I have been taking Met since a year and now my periods have been regularised.
2007-11-15 14:17:17 · answer #4 · answered by lav_lise 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I to have pcos, I started metformin August 31 of this year, I got a cycle Sept 12th then october 11th, this month I haven't gotten anything yet I'm still waitin, I guess I just need to get my dose upper
2007-11-15 15:48:32 · answer #5 · answered by Mom of 2 w/ PCOS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
metformin will regulate your periods, and clomid is fertility drug that can help you ovulate.
Good Luck
2007-11-15 15:09:44 · answer #6 · answered by Tha Blessed One 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋