IR-Posted also on PCOS board

[seed]

New to Insulin Resistance
I have just been told that I have mild IR. My endo said he would prescribe 500mg of glucophage per day, if I gave an undertaking not to try to get pg while on it! But like many of you, that is my goal in life The bottom line is that he wants me to loose 20 lbs, I have lost 8lbs, with a great deal of sacrifice...

...I need to know a couple of things...anyone get prescribed such a low dose and have sucess?

...Why does he not want me to ttc on Glucophage, since so many of you have healthy babies after it?

...My last ivf(#2) was cancelled due to poor response, what effect does IR have on stimulation...have any of you had a similar experience, and what was successful for you?

About me: Only 1 good tube after ectopic, I'm 36 and FSH of 5.5

Please respond if you can help, Liz

[hope2004]

Im currently taking 2000mg at night. I'm also IR...my IR is due to having PCOS. I've talked with several Dr's (a PharmD, RE, Neuro, Genetic Counsellor as well as Maternal Fetal Medicine Dr) and all of them said that it would be safe for me to be on the Metformin. It would actually be best for me to be on the Metformin now to prevent Gestestial Diabetes

If you've read the PCOS board, you've read all the post of women having healthy children because of Metformin/Glucophage. Just as you, I'm confused why you shouldn't be able to ttc???

The reason most RE place women on Metformin is to improve their egg quality. While reading your post, I'm wondering if he doesn't want you to ttc until you've lost the weight? Or is there a plan? I know when I was first dx with IR the plan was to start Metformin and loose additional weight. We had put our cycle off until those two goals were achieved. Metformin was still continued though.

I have to agree..it was VERY hard loosing the weight and the Metformin did not help. My re told me that the Metformin would help, but it didn't. It was a daily struggle with so many disappointments. I think it's just part of the IR, that makes loosing weight such a struggle. I was able to lose 20lbs, as well.

The Metformin is not an easy medication..I take the Metformin ER to make it easier on my tummy. My first script was for the regular Metformin and I thought I wasn't able to take more than 500mg because it causes such stomach upset.

[BC-KarenS-MI]

I don't know the first thing about IR or taking the meds that you're talking about, but I want to wish you the best as you work on losing weight (congrats on losing 8 lbs. so far! ) & working your way to starting your next cycle!!!

Karen

[seed]

Thanks Hope,
It's all very frustrating isn't it! You and I seem to have a lot in common-tubal factor, IR and my last ivf was also cancelled last November due to cysts. I wish you every joy in the future and babydust to you!
Liz

[seed]

As ever, thanks Karen! You're such a great support to us all Liz

[hope2004]

Liz,

Wow..yes, it does seem like we have a lot in common. You said they dx you with "mild IR". I assume they did a Fasting Glucose Test. Do you remember what the result was? Did you have a 1 hour or a 3 Hour Test. Just curious what is mild and what isn't...what I've read so far most women take 1500-2000mg of the Metformin.

My FSH was 5.9

On a positive note. The Metformin has improved my labwork dramatically though. I hope it will do the same for you.

Petra

[seed]

Thanks Petra,
Hope you are well! Still loking for answers...I don't know my glucose levels, sorry!
Liz

[momwannabe]

Liz,
I was put on metformin after my 2nd failed IVF to help improve egg quality. At the time of my 3rd IVF, I was only able to "stomach" 500mg. My cycle was successful, but ended badly. Egg quality was greatly improved that cycle and RE thinks it was the metformin that helped. I switched to the metformin ER (extended release) and upped the dose to 1500mg for the 4th cycle. Had difficulty with stimming meds on the 4th cycle, so it was basically a bust.
In terms of the metformin helping you to lose weight, I was excited about that when I first started it b/c I had wanted to lose 10-15 pounds and thought it might help me. It didn't. I recently read that the reason they say it helps women lose weight is because it makes you feel so sick that you cut back on what you eat.
I'm not sure why RE wouldn't want you to try on your own while taking it. Might be a good idea to call him back and clarify.
Good luck! I hope it helps! (And ask for the ER version if the regular stuff upsets your stomach too much.)
Robin

[seed]

Thanks Robin, following your story and wishing you joy, Liz