PCOS-MEDICATION Messages for October, 2001: Re: Old to PCOS, new to Metformin

Re: Old to PCOS, new to Metformin

From: Kimberly (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 27 Oct 2001 02:28:50 -0500 (CDT)

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Reply: Kelly: "Re: Old to PCOS, new to Metformin"

Hi Kelly, Sorry you are feeling bad. Everyone responds differently to Met, so no one can really tell you when/if you will feel better, but we can share our own info. First, if your trouble continues, perhaps you could try the Glucophage XR (extended release). Some people do much better with that. Secondly, make sure you are taking the Met with your largest meals and preferably in the MIDDLE of the meal, so there is food on both sides of it. Some people also have more trouble if they consume dairy products while taking it. I controlled a lot of my side effects with avoiding excess sugar/carbs(especially anything with peppermint in it) - and found it interesting how vengeful the Met was if I wasn't paying attention. My biggest problem has been terrible stomach bloating/belching that is just unbearable at times (so yes, stomach problems are normal and my endo said there is absolutely nothing I can do about it during a 'flare-up'). I thought it would never go away and I would have to consider stopping the Met, however it's been 5 months now and I am finally seeing a drastic reduction in side effects. Most people say it takes a month or so - but from my experience it may take longer. Because this is really the most effective treatment for PCOS - it is well worth your while to stick with it until you are sure you really can't take it anymore. If you can't get used to it you can try the diabetic medications Actos or Avandia but they do not promote any weight loss and often cause weight gain. If you are not overweight those might be better choices for you. Also, if the dosage of 1000mg a day worked fine for you and the 1700mg a day never does, then your correct dosage might be 1000mg a day (especially because you are excercising and eating correctly - you may be able to get by with less met). Also, it is normal to have a normal fasting glucose level with PCOS, it is usually the INSULIN level that is greatly elevated and that causes all the trouble - therefore do not use the glucose level as a key indicator of wether you should remain on met or not. The dr. on this board is adamant in saying that insulin sensitizing drugs are the only real treatment for this disease. Be as patient as you can with the met and talk openly with your dr. Best of luck, I hope I helped a little, and I hope someone else on this board can give you some tips or ideas for the nausea.

At Fri, 26 Oct 2001, Kelly wrote: >
>Hi everyone,
>I was diagnosed in '94 with PCOS but never new there were meds for it
>till I started looking for info on maintaining my weight without
>starving myself. Am on Metformin now at 850mg twice a day. Don't have
>trouble with diahrea but am nauseated and having headaches. This is my
>third week on the Met, (two weeks at 500mg twice a day didn't even phase
>me), I am also bloated at times and last night I felt like I had a hugh
>rock in my stomach. Is this normal? I've read as much as I can find in
>the archives but I'm no good at finding info unless it's all on one
>page. What have you found that agrivates the nausea as far as food
>goes? I get it worse at night. I am tired and have to make myself work
>out but when I'm nauseated you might as well bury me 'cause I ain't good
>for nothin'. How long should I give this med before giving up on it? My
>fasting glucose level was in the normal range and I lost the extra
>weight a few years ago but don't count on using my diet, (STRESS)!
>Please can someone send me to the info I need? I live overseas
>(military) and info is really hard to get over here in English.
> Thanks
>
>--
>Kelly
>

Next message: Sonnet: "Re: Thyroid question for the Doc or anyone"
Previous message: Dona: "Re: Epilight"
In reply to: Kelly: "Old to PCOS, new to Metformin"
Next in thread: Kelly: "Re: Old to PCOS, new to Metformin"
Reply: Kelly: "Re: Old to PCOS, new to Metformin"

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