On the metformin, I had very bad stomach reactions, which I've read is common. We tried to gradually increase it, starting with really low doses, but I had diarrhea/sour stomach from the very beginning. I eventually threw in the towel after 8 months of being miserable. I was losing weight effectively--but only because I couldn't eat anything and I was always on the toilet.
I did do straight cardio for a month, then went to 50% cardio 50% strength under dr's recommendation. It's been three months since then and I have lost the initial 6lbs that I gained when I began working out, but that is all. I have noticed that I feel better emotionally, however, since adding strength training. But I get real lethargic quite easily now.
On my own, it has been since 2001 that I've had a period, and that is because I stopped the BC. We did induce a period with progesterone in 2003.
And yes to the fasting insulin, and even fasting glucose.