Metformin for Weight Loss?

[ashmarie06]

Have you seen an Endocrinologist? If not I would recommend it. I think they might be able to provide you more guidance on the weigh issue.

Are you taking a BC pill? If not and since you aren't trying to have children now I am surprised that your OB put you on Metformin instead of BC to regulate your cycles.

My MD wanted me tostart on the Metformin before seeing an endo. So that is the next step. If I would start the met!

I am on BC. I have been on so many BC's, it still doesnt regulate me. That is orginally what started this mess...

 

[sookie]

I actually eat very healthy. A lot of protien, fish, and fruit and veggies. I'm at a loss of what to do.

You need to start the metformin. Give it a chance... if you have side effects, call your doctor and ask for an alternative.
It will help you with weight loss if you are eating properly and exercising.
Be aware that if you are sexually active, and you DON'T want a baby - you need to be on something reliable. I have PCOS/insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome (and still do, even though I am very much normal weight now - but my symptoms are so much better!!). Metformin will often increase fertility (several mechanisms...) especially if you end up loosing weight with it.
Also - try and be vigilant and loose the extra weight. It is VERY hard, but if you can overcome that - you will probably feel a TON better. Almost all of my symptoms have really resolved because I took steps to get my weight down.

 

[alex9179]

With Weight Watchers, do you go to meetings? I would suggest sitting down with one of the counselors and discussing your menu. Write down everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, that goes in your mouth for a few weeks.

What is your exercise regimen? Write that down along with your food log. Some tweaking of both may be helpful.

I didn't see where you mentioned how long you've been doing WW and exercising. Those first few weeks can be frustrating! I know, I don't start seeing great results right away. That can feel defeating, but my body just responds slowly. If I weigh myself everyday, I feel even worse because I fluctuate so much.

Also, your doctor knows your case. Follow the instructions unless it makes you feel worse. Then talk to your doc about alternatives.

 

[MrsPete]

Be aware that if you are sexually active, and you DON'T want a baby - you need to be on something reliable. I have PCOS/insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome (and still do, even though I am very much normal weight now - but my symptoms are so much better!!). Metformin will often increase fertility (several mechanisms...) especially if you end up loosing weight with it.

I have no personal knowledge of this, but my daughter's endocrinologist told her that her particular blend of PCOS and insulin resistance often leads to difficulty conceiving. She said that IF that happens someday in the future, she shouldn't wait around for years hoping that things'd work out. She said that with Metformin most people with her conditions tend to conceive quickly.

 

[BearcatsFan]

My MD wanted me tostart on the Metformin before seeing an endo. So that is the next step. If I would start the met!

I am on BC. I have been on so many BC's, it still doesnt regulate me. That is orginally what started this mess...

Do you need a referral to see an endo from your doctor for insurance or can you just go? If you can just go, GO. Don't wait for approval from your regular doctor, and don't be taking advice on PCOS from a regular doctor.

I'm in Cincinnati like you. I can give you the name of my doctor via PM if you want. She's not just an endo, but a reproductive endo ... which does make a difference.

Let me know.

 

[famousmockingbird]

I've been on Metformin since February of this year. Take it at night. No side-effects and I've lost 25 pounds. I'm also doing a 1200 calorie a day diet, using the myfitnesspal app for help.

 

[shmoogrrrl]

My MD wanted me tostart on the Metformin before seeing an endo. So that is the next step. If I would start the met!

I am on BC. I have been on so many BC's, it still doesnt regulate me. That is orginally what started this mess...

BC never did anything for me for regulating my cycle either. Met DID, though, to a point. I still had a five week cycle instead of a four week, but I was pretty close to regular, at least as much as I ever had been.

Go ahead and swallow that pill. You are never going to know until you try! PCOS is a pain in the behind, but treating it now before it turns into Type II diabetes, or whatever else, is a good thing.

Good luck!!

 

[ashmarie06]

I took my first dose of the 500mg metformin today. So far so good. With no side effects yet! Keep your fingers crossed!

 

[BearcatsFan]

I took my first dose of the 500mg metformin today. So far so good. With no side effects yet! Keep your fingers crossed!

Good luck! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for ya!

 

[shmoogrrrl]

I took my first dose of the 500mg metformin today. So far so good. With no side effects yet! Keep your fingers crossed!

Good for you! Hopefully you will be one of us lucky ones!

 

[LilyWDW]

Honestly, if Weight Watchers is not working, then stop using it. Instead, use something like My Fitness Pal to track your calories, macros, and exercise. I have seen SO many people recently who have been failing at the new Weight Watchers because of the "free" foods. Those food still have calories!

I know My Fitness Pal has groups for those with PCOS. It does impact weight loss by quite a bit, but maybe you can find some hints and tips there.

Also, the idea of "eat less and move more" is a horrible over simplification. There is a LOT more when it comes to weight loss.

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

OP, I'd recommend browsing the forums, http://www.soulcysters.net/
It is a PCOS message forum.

 

[Auggietina]

Metformin isn't prescribed for PCOS, it is prescribed for insulin resistance that many women with PCOS have. If she doesn't have high blood sugar then her Dr. should not be prescribing it because it could end up bringing her blood sugar down too far.

It is not approved to treat PCOS but Dr's prescribe it because it has been shown to regulate hormone levels. It is not solely prescribed with someone is insulin resistant

 

[SaraJayne]

I took my first dose of the 500mg metformin today. So far so good. With no side effects yet! Keep your fingers crossed!

Good luck! I did want to clarify that my bad side effects were not (ahem) bathroom related. lol My two side effects that made me stop using the med were terrible hot flashes and vertigo. The hot flashes I could have lived with, but not the vertigo.

I went out today and purchased The Insulin Resistance Diet and The Ultimate PCOS Handbook by Colette Harris and Theresa Cheung.

Education is never a bad thing, especially when it comes to your own body. I'm looking forward to diving into the books and learning more about how to help myself.

 

[Auggietina]

I've been on 500mg Met for 2 months. I have lost 20lbs using a low carb diet. Seeing my DR on Wednesday for a follow-up.

I never had major side effects. I have learned that depending on what I eat, is what will happen.

 

[ashmarie06]

I've been on Metformin since February of this year. Take it at night. No side-effects and I've lost 25 pounds. I'm also doing a 1200 calorie a day diet, using the myfitnesspal app for help.

I love my fitness Pal. I think if I decide to get off WW, I will just do it the old fashioned calorie counting way.

 

[ashmarie06]

Do you need a referral to see an endo from your doctor for insurance or can you just go? If you can just go, GO. Don't wait for approval from your regular doctor, and don't be taking advice on PCOS from a regular doctor.

I'm in Cincinnati like you. I can give you the name of my doctor via PM if you want. She's not just an endo, but a reproductive endo ... which does make a difference.

Let me know.

What kind of tests did your Endo run? You can PM me if you would rather

 

[BearcatsFan]

What kind of tests did your Endo run? You can PM me if you would rather

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