Moxie Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 My doctor has decided I should try Metformin for my PCOS related hair loss. I've read lots and lots about it but I'd love to hear from real people. How bad is the nausea? Will this increase my fertility? What other symptoms should this help? How long can I safely take this (is it something I'll take until XYZ or is this a lifetime drug)? Give me the good, bad and ugly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anita in NC Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 My DH recently started taking this. He has not had any side effects. So far so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyBlueLobsters Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I take it for PCOS and I've noticed that it drops my blood sugar and I get really shaky and have almost passed out after taking it. I've never had nausea with it. Don't know about the fertility, but it did regulate my cycles. HTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katemary63 Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 My oldest tried it and could not adjust to it. She felt sick ALL THE TIME. My middle DD is on it now and determined to stick it out. She went down to a very low dose and gradually increased. She is still struggling to feel well. She's going back to the OB-Gyn to discuss it soon. Both my girls have serious PCOS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sukale Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I had to take a low dose at fist and build up to how much my doctor wanted me to take. I also have PCOS and am diabetic. I take 4 500 mg pills a day now with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 (edited) Briefly - yes, I believe you can take this for life (I was going to, but for some reason my endocrinologist decided I didn't need it - long story). - yes, it may increase your fertility. I took metformin for this specific purpose. Five of my six kids were conceived thanks, at least in part, to metformin ;). - digestive symptoms (usually more diarrhea than nausea) decrease after your body gets used to it. Begin on the lowest dose and increase dose gradually (say, 500 mg per day for a few days to a week, then up to 1000 mg, then up to 1500 mg). - The extended release version (metformin ER, Glucophage XR) typically has FAR less digestive side effects than the regular version. The regular version should be taken with meals or at least a glass of milk. - digestive symtoms are easier if you avoid excessive sugar. It often seemed to me that metformin sort of forces you to eat a more balanced diet (fewer carbs, more protein/fat) - avoid alcohol while on metformin - I forgot why; I think it's too hard on the liver. Edited February 17, 2011 by wapiti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSmomNY Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I take Metformin for my PCOS. Yes metformin can both regulate your cycle and increase fertility. I can thank metformin for my second son. Yes there are side effects but they go away after a week or two I have not noticed any benifit in terms of hair loss. good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 One of my dd's takes Metformin. She has never mentioned any nausea, or really, any other side effects. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 I was sick the first week on it. Then I was sick when my doc decided to increase the dose for about a week again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 I had to take a low dose at fist and build up to how much my doctor wanted me to take. I also have PCOS and am diabetic. I take 4 500 mg pills a day now with no problems. This is how I did it too. I have PCOS and Insulin Resistance. I am on the same dosage. I upped my dosages every 2 weeks. I did have tummy problems for the first few weeks...but nothing now. Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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