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Re: Question about a conflict between blood levels and symptoms
From: Jessica (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 6 Feb 2002 15:07:34 -0600 (CST)
I wanted to say in addition to my last message, sometimes I wonder since
I didn't get sick with the metformin if that means it isn't working, or
if it means that I really needed it? And it may not relate at all.
Jessica
At Wed, 6 Feb 2002, Jessica wrote:
>
>Sally,
>
>Thanks for the info. I am taking 1000 mg/day of metformin. A few
>people scared me before I started taking it that I would get so sick for
>a while but I have had absolutely no problems whatsoever--just a very
>slight uncomfortable feeling in my stomach the first day and that's it!
>How have other people out there reacted to it?
>
>My TSH level was 1.7 so that is fine.
>
>Just wondering, does anyone have an idea how long it should be before I
>start noticing a response to the metformin? I've only been on it two
>weeks so far.
>
>Thanks again,
>Jessica
>
>At Wed, 6 Feb 2002, Sally wrote:
>>
>>Hi Jessica,
>>
>>Actually, it is not a conflict, but rather quite a common finding. Also
>>test levels can be within 'normal' range but still be abnormal pattern
>>or relationship between tests. This takes a very experienced dr. to
>>pick. My results were also all within normal but the patterns were out
>>(ie. ratio between LH and FSH)and some results were at low end of
>>normal and others high end - yet my endo says I have a classic case.
>>With regards to the insulin resistance - it is actually very hard to
>>detect and drs who are in the know actually beleive that all persons
>>with PCOS have some level of insulin resistance. Just may not be
>>detectable using current methods.
>>
>>It is good that you got metformin and you should see some benefits from
>>using it - what dose did the dr give you? You may need to experiment
>>with doses from 500 mg/day up to 2000 mg/day. Whatever level you get a
>>good response at (even if it 500 mg/day)and feel well at is your optimal
>>dose. Also remember that a higher dose is not necessarily a better
>>dose. If you get results that should convince your Dr. to let you
>>continue with it. If he doesn't probably you should look for a new dr.
>>with better experience in treating PCOS. Ladies on this forum could
>>possibly help.
>>
>>Using metformin helps many of us. It could also help you with the
>>weight issues - particualrly as you already exercise and eat healthy -
>>as it allows your body to handle insulin & sugars better. In addition
>>some people find that a lower carbohydrate diet is also helpful.
>>
>>Did your Dr. check you for thyroid function. This is also quite
>>common. The TSH levels should be between 1 - 2.
>>
>>I am not sure that antiandrogen medication can help with wieght. I am
>>using diane-35 (cyproterone acetate) in addition to metformin. My endo
>>actually did not encourage me to use this as she said it can result in
>>increase in weight.
>>
>>Please ask whatever questions you want. Also there are plenty of links
>>on this forum so go ahead and research as well.
>>
>>Let us know how you go witht he metformin.
>>
>>--
>>Sally
>>
>>At Wed, 6 Feb 2002, Jessica wrote:
>>>
>>>Hi, I'm new to this forum and am hoping to get some insight. My doctor
>>>thinks I may have PCOS because of high LH/FSH levels, as well as a lot
>>>of the symptoms. I also had fasting insulin and glucose levels taken,
>>>and androgen levels, which he says are normal. I can't understand how
>>>those levels could be normal when I have had acne problems since I was
>>>11 (I'm almost 38), and I've had problems with reactive hypoglycemia for
>>>years. I've had irregular periods ever since I was 16 when they started
>>>(I could never calendar my periods like my friends could), but I never
>>>worried about anything until I started having rapid weight gain this
>>>past year even with exercising an hour a day (I've done that for YEARS)
>>>and eating vegetables, high fiber grains, and drinking lots of water.
>>>The weight gain has gotten me into the doctors trying to figure things
>>>out and PCOS is the first glimpse of light I have had into understanding
>>>anything. He doesn't think glucophage is necessary for me because my
>>>insulin levels were normal (I don't know the actual numbers--maybe I
>>>should ask). He is letting me try it for a little while however. I am
>>>so depressed because I have been small and in control of my weight my
>>>whole life until recently, and it's all I can think about now. It's
>>>consuming my whole life. I guess one of my questions is--should I have
>>>him retake the blood levels, or can you have the symptoms without the
>>>high blood levels? I also wonder if anti-androgen medication helps with
>>>the weight at all.
>>>Thanks to any who have advice.
>>
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