Re: Metformin and normal insulin levels
From: =?iso-8859-2?q?Zalányi Sámuel ?= (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 18 May 2003 09:14:30 +0200
Hi Jean,
Glucose metabolism is a complicated feed-bck loop. If you are insulin resistant, your insulin levels maybe normal first, only the insulin reaction triggered by a glucose load maybe exagerated. So, you may have normal insulin levels and being IR.
The causal treatment of PCOS is aimed at IR, therefore insulin sensitizers are indicated. Diane and spironolactone are only symptomatic remedies and I definitely do not recommend using both (this is as you would put both sugar and sweetener into your tea).
My recommendatioin is: stop each meds for a mo (at least), have a metabolic and endocrine work-up and start treatment according to the results.
Sam
> Hi,
> After stopping BCP in February of 2002, I did not get any of my periods,
> gained about 15 lbs, and started having moderate acne. I was diagnosed
> with PCOS in November of 2002. I was visiting my aunt, who is an OBGYN
> in China, and she prescribed Diane-35. I then started seeing an
> endocrinoligist after returning to the States and he also prescribed
> Spirinolactone (100mg/day) since my testosterone levels were moderately
> high (it was 87 before Diane-35, 50 after) and he wanted to get my
> levels below 40. Also, I asked him to prescribe me Metformin since I
> have read that women with PCOS have gotten great results. He said I
> didn't need it because I had normal insulin levels. I just got my blood
> work last week and my testosterone levels were 57..higher than before.
> How can that be? Also, my weight is not going down even though I have
> cut calories and exercised. I have read that Metformin is still
> effective for women with PCOS who have normal insulin levels.. I am
> seeing my Endo again next week and really want him to prescribe me
> Metformin. What are you thoughts on this drug and women with normal
> insulin levels. Also, are there any problems with taking Spirino,
> Diane-35 and Metformin together?
>
> Thanks,
> Jean
>
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