 |
 |
 |
|
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
||||
Re: metformin and long tern affectsFrom: Le (anonymous@obgyn.net)Fri, 27 Dec 2002 02:03:21 -0600 (CST)
I don't know about long term effects of Metformin. My doctor hasn't seemed too worried about it when I've brought it up. I have never liked taking medications unless absolutely necessary, so the diagnosis of PCOS threw me for a loop. I've been taking Metformin/Glucophage for close to 2 years now and I have to say that it's been a lifesaver. Prior to taking it, my mood swings were awful (my poor husband) my monthly cycles were very irregular and my weight gain was horrendously centered around my stomach and I couldn't lose an ounce no matter what I did. Thankfully, the mood swings have toned down a LOT..usually only bad around my periods, I've lost 40 lbs and my cycles are back to being on time (almost to the minute). The other "problem" I was told that I may have is Endometriosis. I had an episode December 2001 that sent me to the ER. I had some kind of "explosion" in my stomach area that had me convinced I was having a stroke or an aneurysm. I couldn't move my arms, couldn't walk or talk, and was flat on the floor on my stomach until the ambulance came. Once in the ER, my white cell count was sky high and they ran all kinds of stomach tests, MRI's & x-rays on me but couldn't find a thing wrong. I kept telling them about the PCOS and of course they didn't check anything and sent me home after 8 hours. I went to my regular dr. as a follow up a week later (when I could finally walk) and they ran all kinds of ultrasounds & xrays as well. Couldn't find evidence of any ovarian cysts, gall stones, kidney stones...nothing. Could tell me everything I DIDN'T have, but nothing definitive as to what it WAS. Since then, my periods have become increasingly painful & heavy. Until my OB/GYN can do a laproscopy (insurance issues), he won't know for sure if it IS endometriosis. For now, I deal with the pain the best I can. As for fertility issues: my dr. told me that many women have PCOS and don't know it until they can't become pregnant. They go to the dr. to find out why they can't conceive and learn all about PCOS. The reason Metformin is prescribed is that PCOS causes weight gain around the mid-section of the body which in turn can make people diabetic (or they are considered pre-diabetic at diagnosis). PCOS causes high levels of testosterone in the system which can affect the function of the pancreas & ovaries. The more the pancreas, testosterone & PCOS are of control, the more the symptoms happen and the more the periods are messed up. That's why when Metformin is prescribed, it lessens the symptoms, the pancreas starts working properly (causes easier weight loss), the testoserone levels out & periods become more normal. Which also helps with the mood swings & fertility. Hope all of this helps. I wouldn't say that Metformin is a cure-all for ALL of your symptoms, but it has helped me. I've tried going off of it for awhile and the mood swings and messed up cycles were too much for me to handle. Take care everyone & may God bless your health.
|
|
Return to ![[ PCOS Discussion Forums ]](../../images/pcos_at_obgyn.gif)
Technical Problems: webmaster@obgyn.net
Last Updated: Mon May 19 16:28:45 2008
Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote
home | medical professionals | women | industry | forums | international