I am sure glad I found this thread ! I went to the Dr. for a routine physical on yesterday. I have a new health plan...so I wanted to a fresh start. I wanted to talk about my weight and facial hair problem. Low and behold the first thing out of her month was PCOS. She asked if I had ever been tested...I have had numerous blood screens before...but never in depth.

I will take my first set on Saturday. In the mean time she gave me Glucophage to help suppress my appitete while following hte weight watchers program. I did a little research on the web...and looking at the symptoms...I have had or had over 75% of them.

Any suggestions on what website to go to get more info or what questions I should ask my doctor would be helpful :-)

I commend you all for posting and supporting on another...I hope to learn more about this disease....

Julie



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235/227/145

Tinkerbell -

It took me about 8 weeks after I started glucophage before I got a period. The first couple of months after that were a bit irregular, but have since evened out (about 30-35 days, which is what it was before I was diagnosed). Most docs want you to have a period every 30-60 days, so I would check with your doc to see what he/she wants you to do. And, glucophage sometimes takes up to 3-4 months to see any sort of effect, so be patient. I'm glad that you're part of our group!

Julie, a welcome to you. It's good that you've found a sympathetic doc. I don't know about the rest of the ladies here, but I read www.inciid.org (PCOS cafe) daily. While I am not trying to conceive, many of the ladies are, and the support is wonderful. There is also www.pcosupport.com (or maybe .org) that is very good.

As for the metformin (or glucophage), it is not meant as an appetite suppressant. It is most commonly given to diabetic patients, and those of us with PCOS that have elevated insulin levels. It helps lower them, and doesn't make our blood sugar go down. In the first few weeks of taking it, it may make you feel less hungry...I know it did for me for a while.

I encourage you to continue your research on the syndrome, and feel free to ask any questions that you may have.

Warm thoughts,


Lynn

Thanks for the input Lynn. I do need to have one every other month...I usually only let it go about 2 weeks over and then I take the Provera. I feel crappy when I don't have a period. I am not trying to concieve either..I just want to feel good! 2001 I agree with Lynn. Glucophage isn't used to suppress appetite, and I hope you dr. did all the neccessary blood work before she put you on the meds. I go back for my 3 month at the end of this month to have my blood work redone. Glucophage can adversely affect your kidneys, liver, and I don't know what else. So, they do blood work before you get on it...and again in 2-3 months. To make sure everything is working fine and the med is not messing with anything it should not. Good Luck and welcome to the group!!....Take care everyone! Wendy

Hello :)
My name is Elizabeth, and I have PCOS. I was diagnosed in July '99 after going to 3 different Docs in 6 weeks and being on a battery of different hormonal medicines to make me stop bleeding. I am currently taking 500 mg. daily of Glucophage XR under a Dr's supervision and am on 1400 calories a day, along with 3-5 hours of Exercise this week.


I am not sure what all you have gone through or dealth with, but my goal weight to lose is 100 pounds total. I gained about 85 pounds between '96 - '99. There are no support groups in my city, and I have never spoken to many other females in my age range with PCOS.

Hope to hear from you soon. Take care and best wishes with what you are doing.

- Elizabeth :)

I hope to hear from you

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Happiness doesn't depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.

Hey Elizabeth. Welcome to the group. I have had PCOS since I was 17. But, was just diagnosed about 5 years ago. I am also on Glucophage and on a 1600 calorie diet that is 50% carbs, exercise<which I suck at> and 80oz of water a day. I also would like to lose 100lbs. I wish you luck and keep me posted on your success with the weight lose and how the Glucophage is working. As for me, I go back to the Dr. next week. I am curious to know if I am on a high enough dosage of the Glucophage. I have read alot and most of what I have seen the women are on 500-850mg 3x a day. I am on 500mg 2x a day. Hope to talk to ya soon, Wendy.