Metformin (Glucophage) & Fertility

[FaithNHim]

Anyone familiar with this topic? I need as much info as possible. I do not have diabetes but was advised that Metformin is helpful when trying to conceive.

Among the uses of Metformin and fertility it has been shown to have a use in settling infertility issues.
It has been shown that the female reproductive system requires insulin for proper functioning. If there is too much insulin present in the body the ovaries may not do what they are supposed to do so there is a direct link with insulin and pregnancy.

[mim181]

I was on metformin when ttc 2000mg and NOT diagnosed with PCOS.  It did upset my stomach, but I got used to it.  After 4 years ttc, I now have a healthy 2 month old baby girl.  I was on the metformin for about 3 months before becoming pg.  I was also doing follistim injections and IUI;s.  I don't know if it was the metformin that helped us in the long run or not, but I think anything is worth a try.  

[Nat256]

I am with so_frustrated on this. I have PCOS and was put on Metformin at 1500 mg every day. My doctor had me on a lower dose and just before we got ready to begin the IUI the doctor upped my doseage. He was hoping to get me up to 2000 mg. but so far 1500 is all I can handle. It has also helped me to lose weight (21 pounds so far) and my nurse at the fertility doctor's said that it has kept the "ring" of cysts that would usually form around my ovaries away. From what I understand anytime you start talking about insulin, etc... you are treading onto very complex and complicated ground. I would ask my doctor to try to (as my father would say) put the cookies on the bottom shelf where anyone can get to them and try to explain it in layman's terms. I would ask my doctor why he/she thinks I need to do this and just ask point blank if I have PCOS or something else where the metformin might be beneficial. If the doctor decides to put you on it I would try increasing my dosage gradually and I would take it at night after supper so as to hopefully sleep through the worst side effects. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JENNY602]

I also have pco and have been metformin 1000 mg a day but it made me feel very sick all the time so I am now on the metformin extened release  pills and they are 10 times better and do not have all the side effects of the regular metformin so you may want to talk to your doctor and see if he can give you those.

[FaithNHim]

Thank you ladies for your comments. I saw a new docto and he recommended these meds after an insulin/glucose test. I was a little concerned as I have never been diagnosed with PCO.

The meds take alot of "getting usse to" as they made me ill but I will follow up with the doc on Monday to see how the meds are working.

[bny807]

i also used it, and am still on it.. but i have mild pcos.. my obgyn says its debatable if it helps or not, but it doesn't hurt they say... i feel like i did notice my body responding to fertility meds better once on it though!  initially you will have some abd bloating and discomfort, but its only temporary! : )  good luck! !!

[Tima]

I was also on metformin as I have PCO and was trying to get pregnant. I did loose some weight also. I felt nausea when taking it so dr had me take at night (800mg).

[so_frustrated]

Hi, My first question is do you have pcos?  If you go to any website on infertility or pcos it will discuss the use of Metformin.  I have been on Metformin for pcos and have been on it for one year.  It has corrected my FSH & LH levels and helped me to lose 25 lbs without hardly trying.  The Metformin sensitizes the cells to insulin therefore lowering the body's production of insulin, which also then reduces androgen production.  Once this happens, ovulation often resumes.  I beleive that this is particular with pcos conditions.  Hope this helps and good luck!