Question for Those with PCOS:

[~Trixie~ 0]

What medication, if any, do you take? For a while I was taking Metformin (generic Glucophage), but I couldn't take the side effects. So once my periods were regulated, I stopped taking it for a couple of years.

Needless to say, once I gained all of the weight back (and then some) that I had lost while dieting and taking Metformin, my periods became erratic again. When I saw my PCP in September, I asked for a prescription renewal. Instead of the Metmorfin, she gave me a starter pack of Glumetza. She said that it should be gentler on my intestinal tract.

Well, I didn't start it until yesterday. I figured I would wait to see if my periods would regulate themselves with weight loss, which hasn't yet happened.

I'm curious, has anyone taken Glumetza, and if so, have you found it to be as effective as Metformin? Also, did you have the same side effects that you experienced with the Metformin or were they not as severe?

[georgia girl 35]

I've been taking Actos plus Metformin for 1&1/2 weeks now (it's both medicines in one pill), and I haven't had any side effects or stomach problems. It seems to have helped with my weight loss too. I've lost 7 lbs in a week and I'm sure this medicine has something to do with it.

I've never heard of Glumetza, so I'm sorry I can't help you with that. I hope it works well for you!

[Kalia Jade 0]

I've never heard of either of those meds (sorry I can't help you there.) My gyno put me on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, it's the only thing that finally got my acne under control. Hopefully losing the weight with the help of the lap band, I will become fertile again!

[renewedhope 4]

I took metformin a couple of years ago and quit because of side effects. I just started it back last week. I am starting on 500mg once a day then increase to twice and then to 3 times a day. On 500 once a day I did great. I increased to twice and the symptoms came back. I think I increased it too quickly. I am going to try increasing it again tommorow.

I have never heard of Glumetza. I hope it works well for you.

[coltonwade 27]

I have been contemplating weather or not to "treat" my PCOS or not .

I cant take birth control pills because of my Migraines. But over the yrs I have not ever really done anything to actually treat the PCOS . now that im loosing my weight I am wondering if that is not enough ?

Is there any benefit to taking the meds that just loosing weight can do ?

Anyone have any ideas ? I gotta go to my yearly soon so i guess i'll discuss it with my OB then.

Mindy

[Jeni 85 0]

my dr. put me on Yasmin.. to regulate the periods.. and she said she doesn't really believe in prescribing metformin if my sugar is under control... d (but i have to see her like every month or so to check my sugar levels... and if they are not under control... walgreens here i come)

[coltonwade 27]

Yeah see i cant do any kind of Birth Control because of my Migraines.

I'll have to talk to my OB about it .

The further apart my periods are the better. Before when I was not having them regularly I induced them 3 times a yr becuase that was the minimum i had to . That was fine with me that meant only MASSIVE migraines 3 times a yr .

Mindy

[Jeni 85 0]

I freaked out when i went without a period for 10 mths:confused:..... id rather deal with the cramps and headaches then to go without a period....:eek:

No periods puts us at a higher risks for endometrial cancer... according to my doctor... she says at the very least every 2-3mths is ok

[coltonwade 27]

I freaked out when i went without a period for 10 mths:confused:..... id rather deal with the cramps and headaches then to go without a period....:eek:

No periods puts us at a higher risks for endometrial cancer... according to my doctor... she says at the very least every 2-3mths is ok

Yes woman with PCOS are at a higher risk for endo cancer , we have to have at least 3 to 4 periods a yr . So once every 3 months is fine .

that is why your doc should give you Provera to induce your period , no one should go 10 months with out a period THAT IS dangerous. I never went that long with out a period. I would induce my periods 3 to 4 times a yr . 3 times a yr is minimum my doc would prefer me to have them 4 times a yr .

I dont get headaches I get massive dipilitating Migraines with my periods that come on after 2 days of my periods. Im in bed and can not function or take care of my children . Headaches and migraines are 2 different things.

i would MUCH rather NOT have period then deal with migraines.

Mindy

[~Trixie~ 0]

I've tried the Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Yasmin route, but I don't think they really treat what is at the heart of PCOS: insulin resistance; the reason we can put on the pounds so effortlessly. Birth control really only helps with the symptoms; the cysts (if you're the lucky few who actually have them), the acne, and the period irregularity...not to mention that as we get older, we really shouldn't take BC because of the possible side effects.

Mindy, I would suggest treating your PCOS or at least seeing an endocrinologist (which I have found to be better suited in treating this disorder since it is a pre-cursor to diabetes). Just from my own experience of not treating the PCOS, I can say that I wish I had kept up with it. I notice that when it is out of control, I am more apt to be mentally out of control. I don't know if it's the extra testosterone or what, but I know that I have a tendency to react to things irrationally.

The jury is still out on the Glumetza. I lost five pounds last week, but I'm not sure if it's because of the medication or that I switched from the treadmill to the elliptical last Sunday. I haven't had any of the nasty side effects that I had with Metformin (although I have noticed an increase in the tooting :eek:). I have to say though, since being banded and having extremely infrequent BMs, I kind of miss the Metformin side effects...I'm almost willing to take it again to get things flowing more regularly down there!

[renewedhope 4]

LOL Trixie. I definately understand what you are saying about the BM's. Since starting back on Glucophage I don't have to worry about whether i will have a BM or not!!

[coltonwade 27]

is this suppose to convince me to get on this stuff LMAO

Mindy

[renewedhope 4]

LOL I really Don't like metformin. This is the 2nd time I have taken it. The first time I quit because of the stomach side effects. I am just pulling out all the stops right now. I want to do everything I can to be as healthy as possible as soon as possible. Weight loss will control PCOS symptoms, so the sooner I lose the weight, the sooner these krappy symptoms will be under control.

BTW, SOme people have no problems at all with metformin. Also, metformin does not effect blood sugar (according to my doctor) I am jsut one of the lucky ones that metformin keeps those bowels moving VERY regularly.

[coltonwade 27]

I have been prescribed metformin twice and never took it .

my pcos symptoms have been some what controlled since loosing weight. I too hope and feel they will get better. When i was thin i did not have harldly any facial hair, hardly any pcos symptoms and my doc tells me that the symptoms will go away for the most part once the weight comes off.

I have had PCOS since i was about 15 .

Mindy

[pearlygirl 1]

For those of you who have a hard time with metformin, have you tried the extended release? The side effects are not as harsh but it controls your insulin resistance just the same, probably better becasue of the continuous release. I take that and ortho tricyclen. Between the two my symptoms are very well controlled...now with the band in my near future hopefully te weight will be too!!