Glucophage?

Abilene · 09-20-2006, 01:08 PM

My doctor is putting my on this stuff for my high gluclose (insulin resistance) noted in the GTT. She made a comment about me feeling better. I don't feel bad now. Does anyone feel better after going on this stuff. How often are you required to GTT again? I hate blood draws - no veins and don't want to do this every six wks until I die.

Abilene

**BC-LittleaBige** · 09-21-2006, 02:45 PM

I am on this med as well. I take 2,000 mg a day of the generic Metformin but I am on the extended release version of it. To be honest with you I don't feel any different on it than when I was not taking it. The only effect it had on me was I had horrible bowel issues on it for the first month of taking it which have gone away now. Not too sure about the testing as I have my blood drawn sometimes twice a month for a bunch of things fertility related. Also, my RE never mentioned to me that I would feel "better" on this medicine. Maybe someone else has some more information for you.

Christi

CammiesMom · 09-21-2006, 09:08 PM

Well, I dont really remember feeling any different when i was on the Metformin (Glucophage) either. I think i just didnt lose as much hair, and wasnt really as tired, but thats it. I just started back on it a few weeks ago, and this time around i am less tired, but OMG i have some bad bowel problems LOL...I get nausious VERY easily and go potty alot...and have gas too...Not trying to scare you

Its definatly different for everyone, and i would say its different at different times too, as i've experienced. But, i would definatly give it a try. The outcome definatly outweighs the side effects. It helped me get PG with my DD on the first round of clomid. (the two help each other out i guess) So, give it a try and good luck!

Abilene · 09-22-2006, 09:00 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I took the first dose last night and it gave me severe diarhea, cramps and a lovely metal taste in my mouth- sounds like normal. I was upset to read the order for the blood work (iGTT in 6 wks) that says I have PCOS (and insulin resistance). I ovulate regularily, and my ultrasound says I have normal ovaries as is every other test except GTT. Aside from this insulin resistance- I don't understand and as usual the RE has failed to mention anything about this to me. Three RE's and none have have ever mentioned one word except insulin resistance. Plus we are using DE so like this PCOS thing matters at all? Am I missing something?
Abilene

lsmariev · 09-22-2006, 09:59 AM

well, PCOS can cause an imbalance in your hormones, so maybe that matters for your tx...

those side effects lasted me a week, and sometimes have them sporadically. I now have almost 2 months taking metformin and i only take 1000mg...

Good luck!!!!

JulieB2 · 09-22-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abilene

Plus we are using DE so like this PCOS thing matters at all? Am I missing something?
Abilene

EEK! There is SO much more to PCOS then infertility (altho I focused/conintue to focus on that fact). PCOS WILL lead to diabetes. Research diabetes because in the end, you will no longer have PCOS but full blown diabetes. That is why it matters. For your health you need maintenance, not just for IF, not only that but with PCOS you have an increased risk of miscarriage (some studies as much as 45% opposed to the lower percentages that other women without this disease have).

Please, please please research the effects of living with PCOS that is unmanaged.

I'll attach some sites where you can read about PCOS.

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/PCOS.cfm
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/pcosinfo.html

GHG · 09-22-2006, 05:09 PM

PCOS/Pregnancy/Losses mentioned.-
I have PCOS. I genetically inherited it from my mom. I've never ovulated regularly since 14. I was successful with losing 22% of my body weight on a low glycemic index diet as well as metformin a couple months prior to trying IUIs (5 yrs. back). Side note- if you are obese as well as PCOS it will play a part. Extra fat increases certain hormone levels that are counter to you ovulating. Metformin will do a number on your gastrointestinal tract. Work your way up to the recommended dosage over a week or so until your GI adjusts. You may also lose weight on it. After countless IUIs and countless OHSS that cancelled IUIs I moved on to IVFs. IUIs are trickier for PCOS ladies b/c you tend to produce to many ovums and many times your IUI is cancelled for safety or turned into an IVF. My first was unsuccessful- this is common w/ PCOS in fresh IVF ET- you tend to hyperstim and create an in-hospitable environment in your uterus for implantation. My second IVF (FET) was successful. My uterus had time to recover from the hyperstim. As far as blood tests for GTT. It shouldn't be that agressive-get a plan together with Dr. and have a couple of touchpoints. In re: to miscarriage and PCOS- they are known to be connected. PCOS will mess with your bodies hormones. I will not get into it but google it-you will find it. It's all insulin/ testosterone/progesteone receptor based. You may want to talk to your doctor about supplemental progesterone suppositores/ estradiol once a pregnancy is achieved. What I did was all that and take Metformin throughout my pregnancy in the beginning to help prevent it. (There are studies supportive of this.) Even with good eating habits I still developed GD with my pregnancy. Once pregnant make sure you test earlier for GD. Anyone with insulin resistance should test much earlier. I have no children living. I am no longer bearing my own children ( for non-PCOS medical negligence gynecological reasons) I cannot carry to term- I have a carrier who is pregnant now with my husband's and my biological baby (ies). However, as a health precaution I still take Metformin. For those of you still having trouble w/ your GI see if you can get the Metformin 750 Extended release from your doctors they are easier on your GI. I hope that helps you out. BTW, even though I never ovulate properly my babies are always genetically sound and I have success with my own embryos. In addition, after my first IVF pregnancy pregnancy I did have a spontaneous pregnancy that went to 26 weeks (We lost are daughter to brain bleeds 4 days after her birth.). I credit getting pregnant at all with her to the metformin as well as accupuncture I was on at the time she was conceived. Accupuncture can help IF issues considerably. Every time I got pregnant and when my carrier did as well we were doing accupuncture. In addition, it seems once a pregnancy is achieved it sometimes kick starts your PCOS body to behave more regularly b/c it forces your hormones to align a bit. I hope this helps you PCOS girls out. Keep your eyes on your goal!

09-20-2006, 01:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Abilene 200-299 post 4 of hearts Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 234	Glucophage? My doctor is putting my on this stuff for my high gluclose (insulin resistance) noted in the GTT. She made a comment about me feeling better. I don't feel bad now. Does anyone feel better after going on this stuff. How often are you required to GTT again? I hate blood draws - no veins and don't want to do this every six wks until I die. Abilene

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09-21-2006, 02:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
BC-LittleaBige PCOS Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Right where I want to be! Posts: 4,346	I am on this med as well. I take 2,000 mg a day of the generic Metformin but I am on the extended release version of it. To be honest with you I don't feel any different on it than when I was not taking it. The only effect it had on me was I had horrible bowel issues on it for the first month of taking it which have gone away now. Not too sure about the testing as I have my blood drawn sometimes twice a month for a bunch of things fertility related. Also, my RE never mentioned to me that I would feel "better" on this medicine. Maybe someone else has some more information for you. Christi

09-21-2006, 09:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
CammiesMom Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 322	Well, I dont really remember feeling any different when i was on the Metformin (Glucophage) either. I think i just didnt lose as much hair, and wasnt really as tired, but thats it. I just started back on it a few weeks ago, and this time around i am less tired, but OMG i have some bad bowel problems LOL...I get nausious VERY easily and go potty alot...and have gas too...Not trying to scare you Its definatly different for everyone, and i would say its different at different times too, as i've experienced. But, i would definatly give it a try. The outcome definatly outweighs the side effects. It helped me get PG with my DD on the first round of clomid. (the two help each other out i guess) So, give it a try and good luck!

09-22-2006, 09:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
Abilene 200-299 post 4 of hearts Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 234	Thanks for the feedback. I took the first dose last night and it gave me severe diarhea, cramps and a lovely metal taste in my mouth- sounds like normal. I was upset to read the order for the blood work (iGTT in 6 wks) that says I have PCOS (and insulin resistance). I ovulate regularily, and my ultrasound says I have normal ovaries as is every other test except GTT. Aside from this insulin resistance- I don't understand and as usual the RE has failed to mention anything about this to me. Three RE's and none have have ever mentioned one word except insulin resistance. Plus we are using DE so like this PCOS thing matters at all? Am I missing something? Abilene

09-22-2006, 09:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
lsmariev 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Fort Stewart, GA Posts: 1,595	well, PCOS can cause an imbalance in your hormones, so maybe that matters for your tx... those side effects lasted me a week, and sometimes have them sporadically. I now have almost 2 months taking metformin and i only take 1000mg... Good luck!!!!

09-22-2006, 05:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
GHG Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5	PCOS/Pregnancy/Losses mentioned.- I have PCOS. I genetically inherited it from my mom. I've never ovulated regularly since 14. I was successful with losing 22% of my body weight on a low glycemic index diet as well as metformin a couple months prior to trying IUIs (5 yrs. back). Side note- if you are obese as well as PCOS it will play a part. Extra fat increases certain hormone levels that are counter to you ovulating. Metformin will do a number on your gastrointestinal tract. Work your way up to the recommended dosage over a week or so until your GI adjusts. You may also lose weight on it. After countless IUIs and countless OHSS that cancelled IUIs I moved on to IVFs. IUIs are trickier for PCOS ladies b/c you tend to produce to many ovums and many times your IUI is cancelled for safety or turned into an IVF. My first was unsuccessful- this is common w/ PCOS in fresh IVF ET- you tend to hyperstim and create an in-hospitable environment in your uterus for implantation. My second IVF (FET) was successful. My uterus had time to recover from the hyperstim. As far as blood tests for GTT. It shouldn't be that agressive-get a plan together with Dr. and have a couple of touchpoints. In re: to miscarriage and PCOS- they are known to be connected. PCOS will mess with your bodies hormones. I will not get into it but google it-you will find it. It's all insulin/ testosterone/progesteone receptor based. You may want to talk to your doctor about supplemental progesterone suppositores/ estradiol once a pregnancy is achieved. What I did was all that and take Metformin throughout my pregnancy in the beginning to help prevent it. (There are studies supportive of this.) Even with good eating habits I still developed GD with my pregnancy. Once pregnant make sure you test earlier for GD. Anyone with insulin resistance should test much earlier. I have no children living. I am no longer bearing my own children ( for non-PCOS medical negligence gynecological reasons) I cannot carry to term- I have a carrier who is pregnant now with my husband's and my biological baby (ies). However, as a health precaution I still take Metformin. For those of you still having trouble w/ your GI see if you can get the Metformin 750 Extended release from your doctors they are easier on your GI. I hope that helps you out. BTW, even though I never ovulate properly my babies are always genetically sound and I have success with my own embryos. In addition, after my first IVF pregnancy pregnancy I did have a spontaneous pregnancy that went to 26 weeks (We lost are daughter to brain bleeds 4 days after her birth.). I credit getting pregnant at all with her to the metformin as well as accupuncture I was on at the time she was conceived. Accupuncture can help IF issues considerably. Every time I got pregnant and when my carrier did as well we were doing accupuncture. In addition, it seems once a pregnancy is achieved it sometimes kick starts your PCOS body to behave more regularly b/c it forces your hormones to align a bit. I hope this helps you PCOS girls out. Keep your eyes on your goal!