Several effects have been reported as related to metformin in PCOS patients including restoring ovulation, reducing weight, reducing circulating androgen levels, reducing the risk of miscarriage and reducing the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
The benefit of metformin on ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries is not seen right away. There is some benefit starting about a month after beginning metformin. Metformin has a more substantial benefit for fertility when the woman has been taking it for at least 60 to 90 days.
Metformin also is effective in achieving weight loss in women with PCOS. It potentiates the low-calorie diets typically used to achieve the BMI of 20 to 25 kg per m2 that is necessary for the return of ovulation. In one study of 150 obese women, a 10 percent reduction in BMI was achieved with metformin therapy.
Metformin has been shown to help shift stubborn weight and reduce BMI in those with PCOS. It restores hormonal balance by reducing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and testosterone, all of which are otherwise elevated with the condition.
Ovulation was recorded in 92 patients (84.40%) in the metformin group compared to 86 patients (85.15%) in the control group (P = 0.88). Clinical pregnancy was found in 50 patients (45.87%) in the metformin group compared to 49 patients (48.51%) in the control group (P = 0.70).
Even though metformin may lead to some weight loss, the amount you lose may be far less than expected. On average, weight loss after one year on the drug is only six pounds, according to past research.
The average weight loss in the group that received metformin was 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs) ±7 kg (± 15 lbs). Untreated controls gained 0.8 kg (1.8 lbs) ± 3.5 kg (± 7.7 lbs) on average. Patients with severe insulin resistance lost significantly more weight as compared to insulin sensitive patients.
How to check if metformin is working. A medical provider can run a few tests to see how metformin is affecting your health: Blood work can check if your glucose, insulin, and HbA1C levels are in range. If they are, the medication is working.
PCOS medications: Metformin, a drug used to reduce androgens and improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS, is linked with Vitamin B12 deficiency. Lack of B12 causes constant tiredness. Do not stop your medication without advice from your doctor.
Thus, metformin is capable of accelerating the oxidation of fat in the liver, thereby leading to a decrease of visceral fat or body weight.
The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of greater than 0.87 (apple body shape). However, some individuals may not experience any noticeable changes in their stomach.
Metformin is a common prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It can help lower blood sugar and HbA1c levels and is used to help manage weight. It's best to avoid saturated fats, excess alcohol consumption, too much sodium, refined carbohydrates, and processed and added sugars while taking it.
Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.
Metformin is a drug that is used in women's health for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), problems with excessive facial hair (hirsutism) and is also used for diabetes. Metformin reduces circulating insulin, which decreases the concentration of free levels of androgens.
Gastrointestinal problems is another common Metformin side effect for PCOS (experienced by nearly a third of women taking the drug.) These problems include abdominal pain, nausea, occasional vomiting, loose motions, irregular bowel movements or diarrhea. Bloating and flatulence can be a major source of embarrassment.
Metformin has been shown to support hair growth in people who had PCOS and were being treated with it. In general, metformin does not exert a direct effect on hair, but may promote healthy hair by supporting normal glucose and insulin levels.
Many of these mild symptoms are associated with taking the medicine for the first time. Common metformin side effects include diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, stomach pain, dizziness, headache and taste disturbance. However, these side effects generally go away after you take the medication for a while.
Numerous research groups have reported that metformin has beneficial effects on a variety of inflammatory skin disorders including psoriasis, acanthosis nigricans, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and allergic contact dermatitis.
The administration of metformin, as glucophage retard, at bedtime instead of supper time may improve diabetes control by reducing morning hyperglycemia.
One long term study published in 2019 found that 28.5% of those taking metformin lost about 5% or less of their body weight during the first year. And those who lost weight on metformin during the first year had the greatest success with weight loss during years 6-15 (15).
An early study of people with diabetes and morbid obesity found significant weight loss after 28 weeks of metformin alongside a healthy diet. Other risk factors for coronary heart disease were lowered as well, including fasting insulin, leptin, and LDL cholesterol.
Someone who is nondiabetic might notice decreases in inflammation, anti-aging benefits, and some weight loss, says Acebedo.