PCOS/Insulin Resistance SupportSupport for us with any of the following: Insulin Resistance, Syndrome X, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or other endocrine disorders.
I was just prescribed Metformin yesterday. 500 mg per day. Was wondering what I can expect. Does it make a big difference, or will I even notice? I realize its not going to be a miracle cure, but any help I can get will be appreciated. What kind of side effects are likely (and did they go away or were they severe enough to discontinue the med). The doctor said that side effects usually go away after a few days, and my husband has had mild diahrea for a day or two every time they've adjusted his dose.
I'm not diabetic, but my fasting blood sugar is higer than normal, about 115 - 125. I weigh 368 lbs and the doctor called it Syndrome X, which I took to mean insulin resistance. I definitely feel better on a moderate carb diet, and am avoiding refined starches and sugars, which seems to give me more energy and helps me avoid binging (which is a miracle for me). I was absolutely sedentary (due to extreme fatigue and pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia), but now am able to go shopping, clean the house and do the laundry myself. It's just such a big whole to dig out of
I am prescribed 1500mg daily for IR. I am not diabetic. My endo had told me that I wouldn't see many results for less than 1500. For me, cramping and diarrhea are the major side effects. I was probably one of the more severe cases, which is why I quite the meds.. I was taking Gluc XR previously, and this time I have been prescribed Met extend release. I plan to start on the medication really soon (I've been putting it off because of side effects, I just need to get over it and take it).
When I was taking it previously, I did lose a few pounds (maybe by default of diarrhea, lol) and I felt like my skin was more clear. I wasn't on it long enough though to really make more of a difference, though.
When the doctor prescribed it, I didn't feel that he was expecting 500 to do much, so I'm guessing he will raise it until we see some results. So far, I've noticed only a mild laxative effect. My husband is type II diabetic and he is on 2000 mg metformin daily in addition to avandia and glipizide. He didn't have problems with the metformin, and he tends to have more drug side effects than I do, I'm just on so many meds I like to be prepared
I was on it for a few months & I must say I WAS NOT A HAPPY CAMPER! I found myself bound for the toilet within 30 minutes or so of beginning a meal, so going out for a romantic dinner or even having hot dog/popcorn at the movis was out. It did get a little better near the end, but my overwhelming fear of having an accident while out to dinner with my husband or at work (could you IMAGINE?) caused me to simply stop taking them. When I did a consult with my doctor regarding stopping the meds, I was advised that it works in the same manner as excercise:it helps your body better absorb the insulin that your body makes. So, I took my doctor's advice & started doing cardio & yoga (15 mins each per day did the trick for me).
Best of luck to you, & I found it a lslightly effective to take some immoduim ad when I was going to be eating in public. I would take it about an hour before my meal. It was a band-aid, but it was effective enough.
I started on the 500 xr and now am on 1500 xr but they moved it up over a year. Also I am taking glucophage the brand name.. sometimes it does make a difference I think. I did make a few more trips to the bathroom then I would of liked when I started but after a week or two I was fine. The only problem for me is that I am also not a diabetic and I don't eat much normally (just me I really don't starve myself) so when I exercise I have to make sure I eat something before hand or else my blood sugar will drop like mad. Also I lost hair when I started. It freaked me out my doctor didn't know if it was my thyroid (I was started on synthroid at the same time) or the metformin. I think it could of been either. But anyway it has been a year and it stopped. I always had thick hair so it wasn't a disaster. But just another thing to look out for. Other then that I actually broke out at the start! *boggle* and I never break out. But again a year later and no break outs.
I had a horrible time with metformin (for insulin resistance). I had to visit the bathroom, but it was because I was so sick, I couldn't keep food down. It was horrible, so my doctor changed my medication to Avandia, but I don't think it's working because it feels like I'm not even taking anything. I guess I'll find out when I go back for more blood work. Still no luck losing weight
Stick with it, love. We're here for you! We've all been where you are, if we're not there right now Just keep trying. It's an up and down process. Some days it's easier and some days it's harder, but once you are able to kick start your metabolism, you'll see some definite results that will help to keep you motivated during the rough times. Just don't give up. Your self esteem, self confidence and health are too important. You can do it!
New to Metformin, what to expect?
to dinner with my husband or at work (could you IMAGINE?) caused me to simply stop taking them. When I did a consult with my doctor regarding stopping the meds, I was advised that it works in the same manner as excercise:it helps your body better absorb the insulin that your body makes. So, I took my doctor's advice & started doing cardio & yoga (15 mins each per day did the trick for me). 
We've all been where you are, if we're not there right now 
Just keep trying. It's an up and down process. Some days it's easier and some days it's harder, but once you are able to kick start your metabolism, you'll see some definite results that will help to keep you motivated during the rough times. Just don't give up. Your self esteem, self confidence and health are too important. 
You can do it!
