glucophage-for weight loss non PCOS or diabetic

[aprilw]

Hi,

I'm looking for anyone who is taking glucophage(metformin) for weight loss and isn't a diabetic. I've been taking it for a couple days now and following a low carb diet. Any info, comments, suggestions on diet and any other stuff would be helpful.

Thanks
April

[doreen T]

hi April,

You might find members and some information about non-diabetic use of glucophage in our PCOS Forum (http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?f=46) ... PCOS = polycystic ovary syndrome. The glucophage helps to improve insulin sensitivity and ideally lower insulin levels for women with this disorder.

Truthfully though, I haven't heard of its use as a weight loss aid in the absence of some disorder involving insulin sensitivity.


Doreen

[aprilw]

Hi all,

Just found this forum, hoping to learn some info. I've just started taking glucophage for weight loss. I'm not diabetic nor to I have PCOS, have been tested for it though. I've been reading the posts and see a lot of people have had some success with glucophage for weight loss even though it was prescribed to help with PCOS symptoms. I'm taking 250 mg once a day to start with. Is anyone else in this situation or can you offer any tips to help with the weight loss. So far the side effects of gluc seem to be minimal (diarrhea). I'm trying to stick to a low carb diet. I've found some info on using glucophage just for weight loss and it suggests eating fruit and root vegetables only with meals, which I find a little frustrating since I'll usually snack on a piece of fruit between meals. Anyways any suggestions, advice would be welcome. Thanks

april

[sourdaisy]

Glucophage/metformin is an insulin sensitizer. People with diabetes and PCOS have problems using insulin efficiently so the metformin helps make the body use insulin better.

Insulin makes fat, so it makes sense that a person with too much insulin will make too much fat. By taking metformin and thus reducing the amount of insulin in the blood, the person creates less fat and can lose weight.

If you don't have any insulin problems, then I really don't see how metformin can really help. Eating low carb is probably the best bet for you.

[Evonja]

Hello April. I'm non-diebetic and I've been taking Glucophage for weightloss since July 7th. I haven't really seen any real results yet. Dr. Atkins' low carb program is excellent, so I expected to lose the weight that I've lost so far, which is about 5 lbs. However, I'm hoping to lose a little quicker because of the pills. What did your doctor tell you about weightloss? He just told me that it would decrease the absorption of sugar. I don't have a lot of information, which is why I'd been meaning to call him, just to get more answers. Have you had any positive results? I was thinking that my body needed to adjust and get used to it. I have experienced a few side effects. I've been all over the internet looking for information on this.

[aprilw]

Hi Evonja, Finally someone else who's taking glucophage for the same reason I am. I've also looked all over the internet and found very limited info. I've also posted on the PCOS sight on this list as well hoping for some feedback. I've lost my usual 5 pounds I usually lose during the week and then put back on, on the weekend. My doc was hesitatnt to prescribe but he had heard of it being done before. One of the biggest things I've noticed is I've lost the craving for something sweet after meals (one of my biggest downfalls). I'm only taking 250 mg once a day so far, I'm thinking about upping the amount to 500mg (1 pill) maybe starting next week. I'm really hoping this will work, I feel like it is even as a placebo so far. I don't really know that much about why and how it works and would love to learn more. The reason I asked my doc for it is my mom is a medical transcriptionist in a large city and said that it was being prescribed to a lot of non-diabetics for weight loss with good results, based on the transcriptions she does. why I'd been meaning to call him, just to get more answers. If you'd like to email back and forth privately (since we both seem to be in the same boat weight and heightwise and goalwise), I'd be interested, let me know via the forum.

thanks April

[MsBrisby]

Maybe this is a totally nit-wit question, but is this also used for fertility? Or maybe I should say infertility? I could swear that is what my dr. mentioned. Boy it would be nice to use it for dual purposes!

[LovableLC]

Glucophage has been been linked to a lot of serious side effects. I don't think I would take it as a means of a diet pill. Lowering your Blood sugar when it's not high could also make it too low, and therefore dangerous. Why not just try low carbing and exercising.

[Evonja]

Yesterday, I emailed my doctor. He has not responded yet. I surfed this link some more and found that some people are not having outstanding results. I don't want to be a "test" monkey, which I think I may be. I've been doing Atkins for almost two weeks. I've lost, and I'm sure it's because of Atkins itself, not the Glucophage. Personally, I think some (not all) doctors may be using their patients as case studies. My dosage is 750 mg once a day, time-released. I think LoveableLc has the right idea about the low carb and exercise. I just needed a little extra help and asked my doctor and Glucophage was his answer. I can be emailed during the week at lewalker~gapac.com or luciwalker~aol.com, evening and weekends.

[SweetMomE]

Glucophage has been been linked to a lot of serious side effects. I don't think I would take it as a means of a diet pill. Lowering your Blood sugar when it's not high could also make it too low, and therefore dangerous. Why not just try low carbing and exercising.

Actually, Glucophage does not lower your blood sugar if you are not diabetic. It is an insulin sensitizer, basically making your body respond to insulin more efficiently so you don't have to produce so much. This keeps your insulin levels from going up and causing the chain reaction with all the other hormones that make PCOS such a joy :rolleyes: Low-carbing and exercise are more efficient at lowering insulin, but not everyone chooses to do this WOE.

[sourdaisy]

Maybe this is a totally nit-wit question, but is this also used for fertility? Or maybe I should say infertility? I could swear that is what my dr. mentioned. Boy it would be nice to use it for dual purposes!

It can if your infertility is caused by PCOS. There is a complex relationship between insulin, estrogen, and androgens (male hormones). When your insulin is too high, it causes your ovaries to produce to many androgens, which ceases ovulation. If you're not ovulating, you can't get pregnant. So, by taking glucophage, you reduce the insulin which in turn reduces androgens. With the reduction of androgens, a lot of women start ovulating on their own.

[aprilw]

Just wanted to post a quick note about my success with taking metformin. (I'm not diabetic, nor do I have PCOS, just taking for weight loss. So far I've lost 6 pounds in 8 days. My weight is staying off. I've lost my craving for something sweet after each meal. It feels really good to be able to maintain a weight loss. I've cut out bread, except for the ocassional slice of whole wheat, along with pasta, potatoes etc. I plan to continue taking metformin. The ill effects I initally experienced have pretty much subsided. Woohoo.

[aprilw]

Three weeks into taking glucophage I've lost 13 pounds. All I can say is wow. In the last two years I've gained 40 pounds and up until now have not been able to drop any weight. So even though some people disagree on taking glucohphage for weight loss I'm impressed with it. It's helped me change my eating habits, lose weight, feel good, and I don't have endless heartburn all the time, yaa.

[sourdaisy]

aprilw, I'm not against it for weight loss, per se. I'm just not terribly fond of the idea of someone taking it who doesn't have insulin problems.

But from your description, I'd wager that you do. 40lbs in 2 years, inability to lose weight, and heartburn are all symptoms of insulin resistance. You may not have PCOS but it sure sounds like you're IR to me. And that's why the drug is working for you :)

Congrats!

[aprilw]

Sourdaisy,

Thanks for the congrats. It's been very frustrating with the weight gain. I've been tested ad-nauseum with nothing showing up, glucose, thyroid, etc. I have a doc appt next week and we'll see if he increases the glucophage dosage for continued weight loss.

[sourdaisy]

You're welcome and I completely understand the frustration. It's taken me years to finally figure out what my problem is. :(

Just curious, but did the doc test your insulin levels? People with IR often have very *good* glucose levels, often being on the low side of things. Because of this, a glucose test won't show anything wrong until the situation gets much worse and diabetes develops.

And if you're insulin levels have been checked out, my apologies. But if you've been lowcarbing and still having trouble losing weight, then I can see how glucophage will help you. :)

I think most of all, I'm just opposed to overweight people taking glucophage as a "diet drug" without attempting to low carb. Kinda like "I'll just pop this pill and eat a bag of chips" mentality. But I certainly don't see that attitude coming from you :)

[aprilw]

Sourdaisy,

I know I've had my glucose checked, but I'm not sure about the insulin levels. I'm going to ask next week at my doc appt. Nevertheless I've tried very hard to lose weight. I exercise, horseback ride, rollerblading, eat very moderately. I find all I have to do is actually eat regular meals and I start gaining weight. I'm not talking big high calorie meals just healthy food with moderate portions. So the glucphage induced weight loss has been a welcome relief along with the loss of cravings for sweets and I am following somewhat of a lowcarb diet. Thanks for the encouragement and I'll leave it at that.

AprilW

[sourdaisy]

aprilw, I sincerely hope you get to the bottom of your troubles, at least for peace of mind. I wish you continued success with your weight loss :)

[melissasvh]

My doctor suggested Atkins to me, then said that after three months, we'd check to see if we should add Glucophage to the mix. So far, I've lost 23 pounds in six weeks, but only by remaining in the 20-25 daily carbs level. Any suggestions if Glucophage would help further?

[aprilw]

Melissa,

I really know next to nothing about Atkins, need to do some more reading. What I've done since I started taking glucophage is cut out bread (except for the ocassional slice of whole wheat) potatoes, pasta. I've just been loading up on veggies and when I do feel hungry I have a small portion of protein because it takes away the hunger pains and makes me feel like I'm satisfied. Sounds like you've done well so far, keep it up. I'm sure there are much more educated people about your questions on this forum then myself. I'm learning as I go

[aprilw]

Hello,

Just came back from the doc. Was in for a checkup to see if the gluchophage was working. On the doctors scale I've lost 10 pounds from a month ago. I asked my doctor about insulin resistance (as suggested by sourdaisy) and he said not a prob, that he had tested for it. He's upped my dosage to 1/2 a pill twice a day (up from 1/2 a pill once a day)however he's concerned that I get a blood-sugar monitor and check my sugar in the am and pm to make sure it doesn't drop with upping the glucophage. So we'll see what happens, the main thing is more weight loss I would like to lose at least another 40 pounds.

[Selene]

Hi! i have been lurking about the forum and this caught my eye. I have been taking glucophage for a year or so now. I do have polycystic ovarain disease, irregular periods,<I would go for MONTHS without having one> and was infertile for years. Before taking this I was overweight. By using this ALONG with being an Atkins dieter, I have lost around 35 lbs, got my cycle back on track, and controlled my aggravating acne! YAY! But I have been taking it twice a day...850 mg. When I miss a dose I kinda drag around here like I have mono..LOL! The only side effect i have ever had was having an upset stomach for a week or so...I dont have any problems now tho!
Good Luck! :-)

[Phemail1]

Can anyone give me feedback on their experience with Metformin. I have symptoms of PCOS and insulin resistance.... irregular monthly cycles, hair in unwanted places and weight in the midsection that is cemented to me. Gaines a lot in past 2 years. My Dr thinks this will help so I started it with moderate low carb eating.... Any feedback would be appreciated or your stories to share.
thanks

[LittleStar]

phemail1,

So far my experience with Metformin has been a positive one, I only had problems for a day or two when I would increase my dose(upset stomach), I've had my cycles the last two month as scheduled and after struggling for many, many years the weight is finally coming off. but I don't completely credit the Met for that, like my Dr. put it " Metformin will help put you on the same playing field as someone that doesn't have pcos" so I've been trying to keep up my part by making good choices , but I also feel that I have a different motivation for those choices now, it's not about the weight so much as my goal to keep pcos in check, it's only been about 2 months since i was diagnosed and started Metformin so I'm still pretty much at the beginning of my journey but i hope to keep seeing positive results, and I wish the same for you!

LittleStar

[Phemail1]

Greetings Little Star,
Well it is into week 2 and I do notice some changes already. Did you find like me that your appetite reduced drastically. Mine did as for a huge craving I used tohave for sweets went away. The stomach issues have improved but not gone away, hopefully they will subside. ONe thing I have had is this unusual distribution of weight in my midsection the past few years that I am hoping to redistribute. I feel I have lost a few pounds the past two weeks in my midsection. Did you have an issue with gaining in the midsection? If so has the medication had any impact for you on the reduction of that as I am hoping for. As for a period... havent seen that yet but I can be patient as conceiving was not my reason for this all the miserable symptoms were. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing as we are at the same stage of the process. I wish you well.
Phemail1

[jadefox26]

Hiya, just a quick one on this subject. I was using metformin for control of PCOS for months, but then I came off of it when I fell pregnant with my twins. My friend was on it too and fell pregnant shortly after 6 moinths of being on it. I would warn anyone who is taking it that it definately does something to your fertility!!!!
Anyway, I tried to go back on it again at the begining of this year, but it made me feel terrible. Tired and washed out all the time, headachy, nauseous....awful in general to the point where I simply couldn't go on with the treatment anymore.
I didn't lose weigh whilst on it first or second time round, but at least the first time it did help with the periods and PCOS.

Anyway, just thought i would put in my 10cs worth. I really wish I could take it again, but I am really worried I'll get all of those symptoms back.

Anyone else suffered with these things whilst taking it?

[Trob8272]

hi april Congrats on your success. i do have pcos and was just prescribed glucophage and have not started that or a diet yet. and i was just wondering was diet you were on to get the success that you have so far. thanks and again good job.

[naturalmom]

I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 23. I was not terribly overweight (150 at 5'5") and had no symptoms other than a missing period. They tried to induce ovulation with Clomid, etc. For three years I tried to get pregnant, and in the meantime I adopted a beautiful baby girl. :D However, a year after she was born, I knew I wanted more children and that I couldn't afford another adoption. I inquired my physician about Glucophage and he stated I was not "IR enough" to take it...how the heck would he know since he didn't check my insulin levels?

Anyway, in October 2002 I ordered Glucophage from a New Zealand pharmaceutical company (without a prescription). Yes I know this is controversial, etc. I was desperate, though. It made me feel sick and shaky but I persisted. Exactly 18 days after starting Glucophage, I had a menstrual period. I didn't lose weight btw on Glucophage - I was not low carbing. Anyway, kept taking it (500 mg a day) and the symptoms stopped. In December I hadn't had a period, so I thought the Glucophage might no longer be working. As a last hope, I took a pregnancy test.


POSITIVE!!!! :D

I got pregnant within 6 weeks of starting Glucophage!!! I now have two beautiful little girls. However, I am sure that my problem is IR (as is evidenced by ovulation once on Glucophage) I am older, know more now, and am dedicated to trying the low-carb diet while med-free. But for people with IR, Glucophage can truly cure their infertility - look at me!

[nadineg]

I've just signed up, and need to shed about 15 pounds to get back to pre-pregnancy weight from 5 years ago, but diet and exercise are not helping anymore. I want to know how people are making out with taking metformin when they're not diabetic or don't have PCOS. I checked some of the messages from last year, but haven't seen any recent updates. Does it work? Should I ask for the prescription?

[suze0220]

I searched for infor on this medicine and found this site. i thought I would let everyone know that my doctor prescribed this to me as well for weight loss. now i dont have diabetes but my gyno doc (different doc) did say that i may have PCOS. but this was not given to me for that. I was told by my pharmacist that they are not allowed to give this drug for fertility or infertility, also my doc said if i was trying to get preg or was preg I COULD NOT be on this drug. so im not sure how it works with infertility. also my doc mentioned that they give this for weight loss in children under the age of 16. she stated they arent allowed to be on regular weight loss medication. I just started taking this and would like to know how everyone else on it is doing. havent had any side effects yet and am taking 500 mg twice a day. Have a great day! :)

[nadineg]

I did end up starting metformin after all, started at 500 mg once a day for a week, then twice a day. I've been on it for a month now, and have noticed less cravings for carbohydrates and sweets, I feel fuller now, and my appetite has gone down so I'm taking in fewer calories. I'm not starving either!! I've lost about 5 lbs in the past month since starting it. The only side effects I've experienced are nausea & bloating for a few days when I start the higher dose. Every so often, I'll get a little paranoid about the dangerous side effects (lactic acidosis), when I feel a little flu-ish, with muscle aches, but it goes away after a day or two so I know it can't be the metformin, probably just a virus.
I don't have PCOS or diabetes, but I agree that I think metformin is a tool for weight-loss in people who have tried diet/exercise/low-carb and it's still not helping.
It does help women with infertility due to PCOS, so I'm sure it's ok in pregnancy because women might not know they're pregnant at first while they're on it. Also, I do know it helps with central obesity (apple shape) more than pear shape, so that's why it's used on kids.

[MoNoCarb]

I'm on metformin for PCOS. Some of you who have been prescribed met for weight loss are on such low dosages that I'd be stunned if the met was making a difference to your weight loss even if you are insulin resistant.

Also - I think it takes quite a long time usually for enough met to build up in your system to really have an effect (my doctor said 4 weeks on 1600 mg A DAY) before we'd see real results.

That said - well done to those of you losing!

Whatever works...

[suze0220]

hi, i was just wondering if anyone else is experiencing any certain symptoms from taking the glucophage for weight loss. i have had stomach cramps, but its mainly that i have been so incredibly tired its ridiculous. i normally am up around 6:45 every morning to excersice eat breakfast and take a shower to be at work by 8:30. now im lucky if i am up by 8:30 and thats after going to bed around 11 or so. just wondering if anyone else is having this before i talk to my doctor.

[susansmk]

I was just diagnosed IR and put on Metformin a few days ago. The stomach cramps and diarrhea were so bad yesterday I was convinced I was allergic or something. I've also been super tired and had a real lack of energy. A call to my doctor confirmed that this is totally normal in the first couple of weeks. He said it eases after about a week and pretty much disappears by the second week.

Let's hang in there together, we'll get through it!

[MoNoCarb]

I have the poos from my met. I've been on it for two weeks.

I don't feel splendid, that's for sure. I find that if I take the met in the middle of my meal, the side effects aren't as bad...

[suze0220]

thanks im glad to know im not the only one feeling draggy all day long. and im glad to know its not going to last. i do have to go back to the doc at then end of my first month which will be in about a week to see my progress. and without being able to excersice cause i cant wake up early enough, im not sure if i have made any.. but its ok! :)

[DAMAEMMA]

I was on glucophage about 5 yrs ago and it made me feel just awful, stomach ache, running to the bathroom, just feeling like I had the flu. But I started taking it again last week. 850mg twice a day after meals. I am doing lo carb this time and I have no symptoms at all. I think that the more carbs you have in your system the worse you will feel on this medication. just thought this might help some of you.

[cocoa27]

I have been taking glucophage for about a month now, after killing myself in the gym, I noticed I wasn't losing a pound actually gaining. I went to my doc for help and found out I was prediabetic....which was the reason I was trying to shed pounds in the first place. I haven't had any side effects I take 850 mg once a day during or right before a meal. I didn't notice a difference in my weight until I bought a gown for a ball......and there was room to spare!!! Now this may seem a little selfish, but I can deal with the diabetes, I just want to lose weight. What I am struggling with is the portions, they have me on a 1200 calorie intake with very limited carbs, how do you guys do it. I'm a southern cook everything comes with bread and rice. Some pointers would be great.

[Reginia]

What type of side effects did you experience?

Just wanted to post a quick note about my success with taking metformin. (I'm not diabetic, nor do I have PCOS, just taking for weight loss. So far I've lost 6 pounds in 8 days. My weight is staying off. I've lost my craving for something sweet after each meal. It feels really good to be able to maintain a weight loss. I've cut out bread, except for the ocassional slice of whole wheat, along with pasta, potatoes etc. I plan to continue taking metformin. The ill effects I initally experienced have pretty much subsided. Woohoo.

[jennlee]

Honestly if I didn’t have PCOS I wouldn't take Met. The side effects were a serious nightmare when I first started the medication.

[Reginia]

OMG. You all have me totally scared now.

This sounds like a terrible medication. I've gotten my blood work back and I am barely IR but have PCOS.

Honestly if I didn’t have PCOS I wouldn't take Met. The side effects were a serious nightmare when I first started the medication.

[jennlee]

If you have PCOS the benefits can greatly outweigh the discomfort. The first few months I was on Met were horrible, however not everyone has it so bad. On the plus side your body will adjust and the side effects usually fade. Overall I’ve had great success on Met and don't regret taking it. My periods normalized and I was finally able to get pregnant twice and carry both babies to term.

[dearmommy]

I take metformin also for weightloss. I have all these side effects regularly however to tell the truth because of my weight I can not be certain that these are medication side effects or do I feel lousy because I am so overweight. Initially I had an extreme increase in hunger but eventually I am finding it helpful to curb appetite.

[quietone]

This is all interesting and I wanted to post a note about IR.

I had IR (and I probably still do) before I went on low carb. The way they found out was by accident...they were testing me for diabetes and noticed that my fasting blood sugar was 109 and after I had taken the glucose it dropped to in the 70s range. The first time, the nurse argued that I had eaten before I came in even though I was supposed to fast (I hadn't) the second time, this nurse was more astute and brought it to the doctor's attention.

That's an absolute sign of IR/pre diabetes apparently.

So I borrowed a meter and started testing my sugar every morning when I first got up and it was always between 100/110.

Also, I was told its a sign of IR if you get very sleepy after a normal carb load meal...not overload, but normal, when most people would get energetic from it.

I was never offered either met or glucophage...curious.

[cocoa27]

I have been taken met for about two months now and haven't had any side effects, I do notice when I skip a dose the sweet cravings come back in full force and after eating I feel completely drained...... I think it's a trial and error process you have to find what works for you.

[Allena]

I've been on Glucophage for about 3 Months. Has anyone experienced any extreme stomach sickness with this medication? It has made me sick at least 1-2 every week for the last 3 months. However it has helped my weight loss significantly, thank G-d. But Be careful with it and don't take it without food!

[SafferBabe]

I've been on Glucophage for about 3 Months. Has anyone experienced any extreme stomach sickness with this medication? It has made me sick at least 1-2 every week for the last 3 months. However it has helped my weight loss significantly, thank G-d. But Be careful with it and don't take it without food!

You might want to watch out for lactic acidosis. It's an extremely serious and sometimes fatal condition. A small number of people who have taken metformin have developed a serious condition called lactic acidosis that has been fatal in up to 50% of cases. Lactic acidosis has occurred most often in people whose kidneys were not working properly. Liver problems may also increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis. Stop taking metformin and call your doctor immediately if you experience a feeling of general discomfort or sickness; weakness; sore or aching muscles; trouble breathing, unusual drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness; unusual or unexplained stomach upset (after the initial stomach upset that may occur at the start of therapy with metformin); or the sudden development of a slow or irregular heartbeat. These may be signs of lactic acidosis.

I'm not here to judge but I was quite surprised to see that some people take Glucophage for the sole purpose of losing weight. I have developed Type II diabetes and had to take 6 x 500mg per day for roughly 18 - 22 months. During the last two years I have gained close to 100lbs. Yes, I used to binge eat but I was taking 6 tablets per day and gained 100lbs.

Since starting Atkins I've binned the Glucophage. My blood sugar levels are normal and I have lost 22lbs in one month! I guess what I'm trying to say is that low-carbing alone works great for weight loss :) I was over the moon when I binned the Glucophage because as with all other medicines there are serious risks involved :( I was also always under the impression that oral diabetes drugs may increase heart-related mortality. I'm no doctor but if you can lose the weight without taking the tablets (doing low-carbing of course) I think it's best :thup:

:rheart:

[Reginia]

Different strokes for different folks. Many doctors prescribe it for weight loss in PCOS patients...doctors also prescribe it for infertility as well. It has multiple uses.


I'm not here to judge but I was quite surprised to see that some people take Glucophage for the sole purpose of losing weight. I have developed Type II diabetes and had to take 6 x 500mg per day for roughly 18 - 22 months. During the last two years I have gained close to 100lbs. Yes, I used to binge eat but I was taking 6 tablets per day and gained 100lbs.

Since starting Atkins I've binned the Glucophage. My blood sugar levels are normal and I have lost 22lbs in one month! I guess what I'm trying to say is that low-carbing alone works great for weight loss :) I was over the moon when I binned the Glucophage because as with all other medicines there are serious risks involved :( I was also always under the impression that oral diabetes drugs may increase heart-related mortality. I'm no doctor but if you can lose the weight without taking the tablets (doing low-carbing of course) I think it's best :thup:

:rheart:

[SafferBabe]

Different strokes for different folks. Many doctors prescribe it for weight loss in PCOS patients...doctors also prescribe it for infertility as well. It has multiple uses.

I know, hence underlining "for the sole purpose of losing weight" :) I'm not judging Reginia. Just gave my two cents ;)

All of the best with your journey :thup:

:rheart:

[MaryHann]

Hi April,
Like you, my doctor has prescribed metformin to me for weight loss. The whole low carb diet is new to me, and I was just wondering if you reached your goal, and if you felt like the pills helped you. Hope to hear from you, I did notice that your last date visited was in 03.
Thanks, Mary

[AuntWie]

Sourdaisy, may I ask what dosage you're taking now? I know I am IR and have had PCOS for years, but since I wasn't trying to get pregnant, getting a diagnosis from mediocre doctors has been difficult. You know what I mean; it isn't a DISEASE so why bother talking about it or testing for it? blech.

[mstares]

Metformin will not work for weight loss if you are not insulin resistant (which means you have PCOS, type II diabetes, or syndrome X or some other underlying insulin resistance) The mechanics behind it is that it makes your cells more receptive to the insulin your body produces so you metabolize carbohydrate calories instead of storing them as fat. If you are normal and healthy, your body is doing that on it's own already. Limiting your carbohydrates will cause weight loss on it's own as well as correct heartburn, gas and acid reflux problems. The average patient on metformin loses approx. 4 pounds a year, and it's not uncommon to have an initial weight loss higher than that. I was on met for years and it had no effect on my weight. Oh well. We are all different. It can have some side effects and a lot of women have told me that it decreased or eliminated their libido! Not good! I did find that it did that to me as well as sucking the energy out of me. Those are probably the two most common side effects. If you are taking metformin, you really have to limit your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol and met can cause lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal condition. Also it's important to let your dentist know if you are having any dental work done. And of course, if you are having surgery you must stop taking it for a few days prior to surgery.

By the way April, there is no *test* for PCOS. The diagnosis is usually made after taking a detailed personal and family health history. A bunch of blood tests are taken which may or may not show minor abnormalities. Also, a check of if any PCOS symptoms are present, how you gain your weight/how it's distributed on your body etc. It takes some women years to get a diagnosis. I was diagnosed at age 42 after presenting symptoms since my teens. Because I had no real infertility problems, doctors ruled out PCOS for me. Some people and doctors think that you ALWAYS have infertility probs with PCOS but that's not so. It's one of the more common symptoms and PCOS is the most common reason for infertility in women. But that doesn't make it an absolute. Good luck with your weight loss!

Margaret

[DrH]

Margaret - some of what you stated here is wrong. Metformin does work for weight loss and their is a test for PCOS. Jill

[misschris]

By the way April, there is no *test* for PCOS. The diagnosis is usually made after taking a detailed personal and family health history. A bunch of blood tests are taken which may or may not show minor abnormalities. Also, a check of if any PCOS symptoms are present, how you gain your weight/how it's distributed on your body etc. It takes some women years to get a diagnosis. I was diagnosed at age 42 after presenting symptoms since my teens. Because I had no real infertility problems, doctors ruled out PCOS for me. Some people and doctors think that you ALWAYS have infertility probs with PCOS but that's not so. It's one of the more common symptoms and PCOS is the most common reason for infertility in women. But that doesn't make it an absolute. Good luck with your weight loss!

Margaret

I had a test for PCOS, an Ultrasound. It came back showing polycystic ovaries, it was VERY clear that I had PCOS. This was secondary to the blood tests. Now, not everyone with PCOS comes back with a positive ultrasound, but it certainly is a test for PCOS :)

As for Met/Gluc for weight loss, I'm IR and it didn't do anything for me. It did make me sick, so I guess that could have assisted with the weight loss. I dumped it because it wasn't worth the risk or the side effects for me. I started taking cinnamon and modified my diet even more, and upped the exercise. I feel much better. The key is eating well, eliminating the bad carbs (because the PCOS makes it much more difficult to process carbs) and exercise.

[mstares]

Metformin is a diabetes medication that has several desirable side effects. Like all medications, not everyone experiences all side effects and not everyone has those side effects to the same degree. Met can increase fertility by normalizing insulin usage. Our hormones are kind of like dominoes, if one tips over into an imbalance it sets off a chain reaction in other hormones as the amount of them we secrete or manufacture depends on how much of certain other hormones are present in our bodies. If insulin imbalance was at the root of your weight gain or infertility then you might have those postive side effects.

Metformin does help with weight loss in some people, of course it does...I repeat, average patient will lose about 4 pounds a year. Metformin is metabolized in the liver (that's why you are supposed to have your liver enzymes checked by a blood test every 3-4 months while taking met to make sure it's not damaging your liver in anyway) It works to make our cells more receptive to our insulin. Less insulin being secreted can contribute to weight loss. That makes met a lot different than a weight loss medication. If you are prone to insulin resistance, chances are that it may be more effective for you in weight loss. It's not a diet pill though and people need to be aware of that and to remember it. It works by affecting effectiveness of a hormone. If that hormone is being secreted at just the right amount and your cells are taking it up at optimal levels, metformin probably will not impact weight loss one way or the other. Like a previous poster said, she gained 100 pounds while taking 3000 mg (6 tablets) of metformin daily. I probably gained about 20 pounds over a 4 year period. I guess we aren't all lucky enough to get the *right* side effects. :(

Sorry, I should have paid closer attention to my semantics. That's why I prefer Stein-Leventhal syndrome to PCOS, it's not so confusing. I should have said there is no one DEFINITIVE test for PCOS. As misscriss said, the ultrasound was secondary to blood work and I'll bet her doctor considered her medical history and symptoms she was presenting. There are a series of tests that taken in context with each other CAN indicate Stein-Leventhal syndrome and are effective tools for diagnosis. The ultrasound is one of those. Many women who have PCOS have cystic ovaries, many do not. Many women have cystic ovaries for other reasons. However, cystic ovaries in conjunction with several indicators/markers/symptoms can be very indicative of Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Over the years and after many ultrasounds, I have cystic ovaries sometimes and sometimes they are clear. One of my daughters has always had cysts, while the other rarely shows them when checked by ultrasound. Both have PCOS btw. A friend of mine has a problem with fibroid cysts on her ovaries but she doesn't have PCOS. Confusing I know, and it sure can make it difficult to get a definitive diagnosis!

Way to go misscriss on your lifestyle modifications! :thup:

All the best
Margaret

[campkrazy]

Hey All I am new to the forum.First post

I found this thread during a google search.

How are you all doing with glucophage?

My Dr. started me on gluc plus Wellbutrin.he said Wellbutrin would help with the diet.
Have any of you heard of these two together?

Karen