Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

Dr. B and I finally touched base today regarding my PCOS/Insulin Resistance testing and he said he found evidence of PCOS in my insulin levels. He said my levels were slightly elevated and he wants me to start taking 750mg of Metformin tonight. Next week, I will increase to 1500mg. I was slightly surprised to hear this since I have very regular periods and ovulatation but he said there is never a "classic case" of PCOS...it is different for everybody. He also said (which I knew) that my weight plays a role in the elevated insulin levels...I am very overweight.

When I talked to him it all made sense and he is so good at making everything seem manageable, but now that I'm thinking about it more, I have more and more questions. We have an appt next week for more testing so I'll talk to him more then but figured I'd ask my questions here too since you ladies are so knowledgeable and helpful! So.....

For those taking Metformin, have you experienced any terrible side effects?

How is it possible to have PCOS but not have polycystic ovaries (he looked at my ovaries and they are fine)?

Does this mean I am pre-diabetic or that I could have type II diabetes? Should I see an endrocrinologist?

Will I have to take Metformin when I get pregnant?

Did you experience any weight loss on this drug? He said I would but I'm curious about other people's experiences.

THANKS SO MUCH!!! I know this is long winded!!

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

that's so funny, i just heard from him today and was surprised that i don't have pcos when i was told I did bc of my polycystic ovaries and other symptoms. (i posted about it earlier today) i feel like he switched our test results!

sorry, i don't have advice to give you but just wanted to say i am glad you got some answers.

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

I'll try to answer what I can. First of all, I'm the opposite from you: Irregular cycles, cysts in my ovaries, but bloodwork is normal.


For those taking Metformin, have you experienced any terrible side effects? I didn't have any side effects, and I was so worried about them. I also started at 750 and went up to 1500. I always take them during dinner, and have had no stomach problems.

How is it possible to have PCOS but not have polycystic ovaries (he looked at my ovaries and they are fine)? I can't answer this one, but definitely ask Dr. B. Send him an email with your questions. He's great about answering them.

Does this mean I am pre-diabetic or that I could have type II diabetes? Should I see an endrocrinologist? Again, I can't answer this one. I know there is more of a chance of having PCOS if you have a family history with Type II diabetes. In my case, my dad has it.

Will I have to take Metformin when I get pregnant? Excellent question...I'd like to know the answer to this one too.

Did you experience any weight loss on this drug? I haven't. I know lots of people say that it curbs their appetite, but unfortunately, I haven't had that experience.

Best of luck to you Definitely email Dr. B with your questions (& feel free to share the answers!)

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

Posted by letsmakeababy

that's so funny, i just heard from him today and was surprised that i don't have pcos when i was told I did bc of my polycystic ovaries and other symptoms. (i posted about it earlier today) i feel like he switched our test results!

sorry, i don't have advice to give you but just wanted to say i am glad you got some answers.

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

Posted by Jax430

I'll try to answer what I can. First of all, I'm the opposite from you: Irregular cycles, cysts in my ovaries, but bloodwork is normal.


For those taking Metformin, have you experienced any terrible side effects? I didn't have any side effects, and I was so worried about them. I also started at 750 and went up to 1500. I always take them during dinner, and have had no stomach problems.

How is it possible to have PCOS but not have polycystic ovaries (he looked at my ovaries and they are fine)? I can't answer this one, but definitely ask Dr. B. Send him an email with your questions. He's great about answering them.

Does this mean I am pre-diabetic or that I could have type II diabetes? Should I see an endrocrinologist? Again, I can't answer this one. I know there is more of a chance of having PCOS if you have a family history with Type II diabetes. In my case, my dad has it.

Will I have to take Metformin when I get pregnant? Excellent question...I'd like to know the answer to this one too.

Did you experience any weight loss on this drug? I haven't. I know lots of people say that it curbs their appetite, but unfortunately, I haven't had that experience.

Best of luck to you Definitely email Dr. B with your questions (& feel free to share the answers!)

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

For those taking Metformin, have you experienced any terrible side effects?
i havent had any. i started at 500, increased to 1000, then 1500. i never had any side effects.i find it makes me more "regular" and lessened a lot of my food cravings.

How is it possible to have PCOS but not have polycystic ovaries (he looked at my ovaries and they are fine)?
its completely possible. i have PCOS and never had any cysts. PCOS is like a blanket statement for hormonal/ovarian/ovulatory disfunctions, and yes, its different for everyone. i did have really high LH which is a classic hormonal symptom of PCOS. i actually had normal insulin resistance as well, and didnt start met right away with dr. B. he only started me on it a few months later since he said it tends to help PCOSers even without insulin resistance.

Does this mean I am pre-diabetic or that I could have type II diabetes? Should I see an endrocrinologist?
not necessary.

Will I have to take Metformin when I get pregnant?
yes. ive been taking it since march. im 13w pregnant and i will be on it my whole pregnancy. some doctors say you can stop after 12w, so far mine hasnt so im still on it.

Did you experience any weight loss on this drug? He said I would but I'm curious about other people's experiences.
i did slightly, mainly because it regulated my eating and bowel movements a little better. however i wasnt overweight to begin with and i always tend to follow a diet and exercise program so i dont know how much was directly related to met.

good luck!

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

only time i got sick was on regular version of it..the extended release was much much easier on my tummy! gl

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

I had belly problems on the met. I blame that for whatever morning sickness I had. I was taking it during my pregnancy until I had those issues, my ob said I didin't need it.
Then i failed my one hour, so i started taking it again. passed my three hour, stopped taking it again, i am bad i need to get back on it.

Re: Test Results from Dr. B/ ? for Girls taking Metformin

It's so overwhelming at first and if you do some board searches, I'm sure you'll find posts I've made frantically asking about what to expect, etc!

To answer some of your questions, based on my experience............ I tried 1500mg all at once and got very nauseous. I went down to 750 and felt FINE so I just stayed at that dose. The cycle I started Meformin is the cycle I got pregnant (btw, I do not have insulin resistance)

Well, post-loss I increased it to 1500 just because that's what I was supposed to be on originally and the dr agreed it couldn't hurt. My body was so used to being on 750, so going to 1500 this time, I did not experience ANY side effects! That said .. I also did not lose any weight! I'm an average weight already though and since I don't have insulin resistance, it might be different for people who DO have insulin resistance.

I took Metformin through 10wks pregnant. I heard it really depends on your dr. Mine said there was no need to continue past that point, so I stopped. I will probably do the same next time as well.

Good luck! It's really not as big a deal as it seems right now! I know it's so overwhelming when you're first getting started, but really once you take it a few weeks you won't even think about it!