PCOS-MEDICATION Messages for November, 2000: Re: use of metformin in the U.K.

Re: use of metformin in the U.K.

From: Krystyna (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 7 Nov 2000 04:12:50 -0600 (CST)

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Hi Jo & Sorel,

The gynaecologist I saw privately was Peter Bowen-Simpkins, based in Swansea. I understand he is renowned certainly throughout Wales and I think throughout the UK.

When I saw him, because I had already been diagnosed as having PCOS, he said immediately that the treatment in the US was Metformin. Because my blood sugar results were higher than normal the Metformin should help that as well, but it was for the PCOS and not the sugar levels that he prescribed it. He then wrote to my GP, told her what to check and she then prescibes me with Metformin. Because my blood sugars were high anyway she advised me to buy one of those sugar monitoring kits (£15) which I've used to keep track of my sugar levels. Since then Government guidelines about sugar levels have apparently come down so I now qualify as diabetic anyway.

There was absolutely no way that my GP would have prescribed Metformin otherwise (few of their diabetic patients have it either) I just count myself lucky that I saw somebody who was up to date with the latest treatments for PCOS. I am now in the 2 year waiting list to see the same gynaecologist on the NHS (and of course there is no guarantee I'll see him and not a registrar anyway) but at least I am in the system.

I can't tell you what a difference the Metformin has made to my life. I used to feel so ill and so tired all the time but now I am full of energy and literally bouncing most of the time. I've not had any trouble with depression, in fact the other way around if anything; I was so depressed before. Now that I am on 2 * 500mg tablets twice a day the weight is coming off (without me having to do anything to my diet). That was the other thing I had found so depressing previously - I was putting on stones, all around my middle and eating practically nothing! All gps would say is "well you'll just have to lose weight!" But this gynaecologist just looked at me and said without the Metformin you'll never manage to lose the weight. It made me feel "at last somebody is listening to what I'm saying!"

No, I've not read the new PCOS book, to be honest the diabetes has now taken over in my mind. And no I'm definitely not on a trial.

I will say the Metformin has brought back periods (which stopped 11 years ago) possibly only 4 a year? but any is better that none. It hasn't helped with hair growth but at least it's not getting worse.

Good luck to all of you, particularly in the UK where it seems to be such hit and miss as to whether you can get a doctor to prescibe medication for PCOS

--
Krystyna

At Fri,  3 Nov 2000, sorel wrote:
>
>Hi Krystyna and Jo
>
>I've moved to UK from Australia 6 months ago and since then have found
>it hard to continue my treatment over here.  I had a very supportive
>doctor in Australia who researched PCOS when I was first diagnosed with
>it over 9 years ago.  But since moving to UK I have put on weight,
>flushes, acne etc and my symptoms are out of control for the first time
>in 5 years.  My local GP in London wanted to put me on anti depressants
>but I refused saying it wasn't depression but acute PCOS.  I asked for
>Metformin but she said it was still in the trial stages over here.  Are
>you on the trial or actually prescribed? Also have you read the new PCOS
>book A woman's guide to PCOS?
>Sorel
>
>At Fri, 3 Nov 2000, jo wrote:
>>
>>>Hello Krystyna,
>>thank you for your reply, I also live in wales, pembrokeshire.  where
>>are you?
>>I would be interested to know which doctor you saw privatly and do you
>>still have to see him privately,as I am going to my G.P next week and
>>would be willing to pay privately but could not continue this for long
>>due to cost.
>>Were you prescribed the metformin initially for the PCOS and weight gain
>>or for the diabetes? I'm under the impression that they don't prescribe
>>it for PCOS.
>>
>>I am very eager to try it but don't think my G.P will agree
>>Thanks again for your reply, hope to hear from you soon.
>>
>>--
>>JO
>>

Next message: Lisa: "Fw: need info med please, you're online ...........LOOK IT UP"
Previous message: SusieQ: "UK links"
In reply to: sorel: "Re: use of metformin in the U.K."
Next in thread: su: "Re: Fw: need info med please, you're online ...........LOOK IT UP"
Reply: su: "Re: Fw: need info med please, you're online ...........LOOK IT UP"

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