Re: metformin
From: Anj (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 22 Jun 2000 20:14:47 -0500 (CDT)
Hi Clara
I was wondering about met..I had read many posts here saying that
metaformin helps them to regulate their menses, and most of the side
effects of PCOS subside, then why not use this as a perm medication for
pcos. Of course with the supervision of your doctor. Also birth
control should help if one doesn't want to get pregnate.
I'll be talking to my family doc and endocrin doc to see what they
think.
I would like to give met a try, I've been taking spirolactone for many
years, its somewhat controlled my excess facial and body hair and heavy
menses. Still I'd like to try something new, and maybe impoved way of
help. Right now I'm not in a position where I would want children ,
maybe later, so I think it would be safe for me to take met and of
course with some form of bc. Just hopefully my pcos will show some
improvement..if when i start met.
PS.
this is a great site! I'm so relieved to find
there is some info on the net about pcos.
--
Anj
At Wed, 21 Jun 2000, Avalos, wrote:
>
>Hi Kristen...
>
>Well, like everything else about PCOS, the correct dosage and treatment plan
>for PCOS patients , using metformin, is also variable.
>
>I think almost everyone agrees that when Metformin is first taken, it should
>be taken in small dosages and gradually worked up to the dosage first
>prescribed by the doctor, in order to avoid side effects.
>
>I think, after that, both patient and doctor monitor the patient's progress
>to see if the Met is working at that dosage. If not, some doctors will
>increase the dosage, again gradually, but as far as I can tell, not to
>exceed 2550 mg per day.
>
>Metformin has different results with different people. Some women only need
>500 mg. per day for them to start ovulating. Others need the maximum
>dosage. Sometimes Met does not prompt ovulation, and in those cases, women
>who want to get pregnant need to discuss with their doctors other
>options/additional medications. On the other hand, many women are able to
>conceive just with the Met, and after a very short time of being on it.
>
>With regard to how long we need to take it, PCOS is not exactly curable, it
>is controllable (think diabetes, where diabetics always have to watch what
>they eat and their insulin levels for the rest of their lives... same
>principle for PCOS). Because of that, women with PCOS will, if they want to
>treat the PCOS and control it, have to take some kind of medication for the
>rest of their lives or for as long as they want to control their PCOS.
>
>Yes, you can take Metformin if you don't want to get pregnant, just be sure
>to use some form of birth control.
>
>It has not been clearly determined whether or not Met can cause birth
>defects. From what I have read, most physicians advocate discontinuing use
>of it during pregnancy and nursing, however, there are a few fertility/PCOS
>experts out there who allow their patients to use it during pregnancy.
>
>I think, with almost any illness, there will always be varying opinions
>about the best treatment options, which medications work, at what dosages,
>for how long, under what conditions, etc. Ultimately, the determining agent
>is the PATIENT and the patient's body. Having a progressive, informed and
>caring physician can make all the difference in the world, too.
>
>Clara
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: anonymous@obgyn.net [mailto:anonymous@obgyn.net
>Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 9:45 AM
>To: Multiple recipients of list PCOS-MEDICATION
>Subject: metformin
>
>Hello everyone!!!
>Can someone please tell me what the correct dosages and treatment plan
>for metformin is?? Do you take it the rest of your life or just a little
>while? Is it just to get pregnant? Can I take it if I don't want to get
>pregnant? Does it cause birth defects if I do get pregnant and continue
>taking it? I've looked but I find different answers on the sites I have
>visited. I thought I would turn to the experts of PCOS. If you have
>any info on the above and other stuff, feel free to e-mail me.
>Thanks!
>
>--
>kristen
>
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