Pros and Cons of Metformin for PCOS

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, affects ranging from 4 to 12 % of women globally and is one of the most prevalent endocrine illnesses. Metformin is still widely used by those with PCOS despite being an "off-label" medication for the illness. Is it safe to take metformin for PCOS? Okay, then, let's figure it out in this article.

PCOS is a hormonal condition that frequently affects women who are pregnant or trying for a baby. It may result in longer or irregular menstrual cycles or higher levels of androgens (the male hormones). Small fluid-filled sacs called follicles or cysts can form in the ovaries. This makes it hard for eggs to be released regularly (ovulation).

An excessive amount of insulin in the body is one of the potential causes that might contribute to the development of PCOS. Insulin facilitates glucose uptake by cells. If the cells of the body become resistant to insulin, the levels of glucose in the blood may elevate, which will cause the body to produce more insulin.

Metformin improves the body's sensitivity to insulin and so acts as a PCOS therapy. This lowers the amount of insulin in the blood and is also good for adipose (fat) tissue.

In the past, doctors have advised women with a high BMI to use metformin as a PCOS treatment (body mass index). The data for metformin's effectiveness in treating PCOS, however, indicates that those with lower BMIs respond to it even better.

Pros and Cons of Metformin for PCOS

In non-obese females with anovulatory PCOS, the medication also seems to be helpful as an ovulation induction therapy.

Metformin may also generate various additional beneficial effects in women with PCOS, including weight loss and a decreased chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it lowers levels of testosterone in the blood, which alleviates hyperandrogenic symptoms including hirsutism and acne. Women with PCOS who are going through IVF may be less likely to get ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome if they take metformin.

For PCOS, metformin is a comparatively safe medication. Various gastrointestinal problems are the main side effects that could happen while taking metformin for PCOS. A number of these symptoms include queasiness, bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, a taste similar to metal, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite. The small intestine's ability to absorb vitamin B12 may also be compromised by metformin. Lactic acidosis can rarely happen, particularly in diabetic people.

The intensity of the adverse effects can vary from patient to patient, but in the vast majority of instances, patients will experience an improvement in their symptoms without any medical intervention. It is feasible to begin metformin treatment for PCOS gradually in order to limit the severity of side effects and to gradually raise the dose based on the complexity of your symptoms.

If you suffer from any of the following conditions, taking metformin for PCOS is not advised:

  • malfunctioning kidneys
  • drug-induced hypersensitivities (metformin)
  • dilated cardiomyopathy
  • liver dysfunction
  • metabolic acidosis, either chronic or acute

Taking metformin is generally safe if you are following your prescriber's guidelines. If you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), your doctor may recommend that you take metformin. You should only do so under his close supervision. Metformin is a type 2 diabetes medication that is taken orally and works to improve insulin resistance and lower insulin levels. In the event that you are unable to become pregnant while taking clomiphene, your doctor might prescribe metformin for PCOS. Additionally, it aids in weight loss and delays the development of type 2 diabetes from prediabetes.

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