Many women with PCOS have what is known as 'insulin resistance' see ' what is polycystic ovary disease? The effects of metformin on the body's response to insulin suggest it might be helpful in managing the symptoms of PCOS, for example in women who don't want to take other treatments or for whom these aren't suitable. Metformin has a license in the UK for treating type 2 diabetes, particularly for people who are overweight.
It affects all metabolic functions as well as all aspects of the menstrual cycle and fertility. There are a variety of reasons why a woman of reproductive age might develop PCOS, but research shows that genetics, insulin resistance, and androgen excess also known as male hormones are all likely risk factors. PCOS impacts women from a diverse range of backgrounds. While there is no cure for PCOS, there are ways to manage symptoms. Killoran says that there are a few medications that may be prescribed for PCOS patients, depending on how the condition affects them.
This is not a complete list, but it includes:. Killoran adds. Metformin is a common medication used to treat PCOS symptoms. Laurence Gerlis , a general practitioner in London, England. Gerlis says metformin for PCOS, when taken regularly, will lower blood glucose levels by balancing insulin levels and decreasing other metabolic effects of the condition. Request a Consult. Fertility Care. How Metformin Is Used for Polycystic Ovaries Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common cause of anovulation and infertility in women.
We start metformin at mg once daily, increase to mg twice a day after one week, then to mg 3 times daily after another week. If the 3 times daily dose cannot be tolerated due to side effects, we remain on the twice-daily dose.
Other Treatment Options If the combination of metformin and clomiphene does not result in ovulation then we move on to other options. Prev Previous. Next Next. Share on facebook. Share on twitter. Share on linkedin. Read more about losing weight , healthy eating and exercise. The contraceptive pill may be recommended to induce regular periods, or periods may be induced using an intermittent course of progestogen tablets which are usually given every 3 to 4 months, but can be given monthly.
This will also reduce the long-term risk of developing cancer of the womb lining endometrial cancer associated with not having regular periods. Other hormonal methods of contraception, such as an intrauterine system IUS , will also reduce this risk by keeping the womb lining thin, but they may not cause periods.
The majority of women can be successfully treated with a short course of tablets taken at the beginning of each cycle for several cycles.
If these are not successful, you may be offered injections or IVF treatment. There's an increased risk of a multiple pregnancy rarely more than twins with these treatments. A medicine called clomifene is usually the first treatment recommended for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. If clomifene is unsuccessful in encouraging ovulation, another medicine called metformin may be recommended. Metformin is often used to treat type 2 diabetes , but it can also lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women with PCOS.
As well as stimulating ovulation, encouraging regular monthly periods and lowering the risk of miscarriage , metformin can also have other long-term health benefits, such as lowering high cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. Possible side effects of metformin include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. As metformin can stimulate fertility, if you're considering using it for PCOS and not trying to get pregnant, make sure you use suitable contraception if you're sexually active.
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