PCOS -- Metformin?

[KylasBaby]

Not sure if by his is the right board for this, but it seemed the most fitting....

I need to stop reading things on the internet. I'm panicking now bc I have PCOS and just read that with PCOS the chance for miscarriage is like 40%....I called my endocrinologist and left a message with a nurse or secretary about starting metformin. However, whoever took the message said you can't take it while you're pregnant. I've been reading of a lot of women taking it while pregnant so I know that you can. I'm really early in my pregnancy, but I'm wondering if starting it now would do more harm than good or if it would be good? Also, any success stories of PCOS ladies having successful pregnancies without any drugs? My first appointment with my OB isn't until 2.24 won't see me any earlier. I wanted at least blood work checked for progesterone levels but they won't without seeing me....

 

[BabyMaybe917]

I was on metformin for pcos while ttc. My Dr kept me on it and said it helps reduce the risk of miscarriage. I stopped taking it around 16 weeks I think.

 

[Gizzyy]

I'm on metformin as I had pcos but no symptoms other than cysts on my ovaries discovered on an internal ultrasound. So no obesity, acne,hair growth ect. I only found out I had it because my periods stopped for 2 years. I had to take progesterone to induce a period to shed my lining every few months (I was very underweight though) so wasn't your usual PCOS candidate but it was a choice between met and bc pills. I chose met as I figured it will help with my insulin resistance and help me ovulate/bring back my periods.

I'm currently still on Metformin as it can also help prevent GD and haven't been told to stop taking it. I'm going for my Glucose tolerance test next week but I'm a bit confused as to how they will get an accurate while on the drug but will have to see.

 

[kmr1763]

I'm a pcoser and I was never on metformin. Three pregnancies, one miscarriage, and I am 99% sure that miscarriage had NOTHING to do with pcos.

Not sure though why your doc would say that. Maybe these ladies were taking metformin when they conceived so it was safe to continue through pregnancy? Try to relax though! And remember every day that passes is another day your miscarriage risk goes down.

 

[KylasBaby]

I'm a pcoser and I was never on metformin. Three pregnancies, one miscarriage, and I am 99% sure that miscarriage had NOTHING to do with pcos.

Not sure though why your doc would say that. Maybe these ladies were taking metformin when they conceived so it was safe to continue through pregnancy? Try to relax though! And remember every day that passes is another day your miscarriage risk goes down.

My doctor didn't say anything about it. It was whomever took the message. But my endo did call me back saying I would have to talk to my OB about it. My appointment is in about a week and a half so fx for a sticky bean!

 

[krissie328]

I have PCOS. I was taking metformin when I got pregnant. I took it through week 13. I am now on glyburide to help with insulin resistance. I know many women take it through the first trimester and some through the entire pregnancy. I have also heard of some women starting when they get diagnosed with GD.

 

[dvc2012]

I have PCOS and I have heard that having it does increase the chance of miscarriage

Women who have PCOS appear to have an increased risk of miscarriage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and premature delivery.

(https://americanpregnancy.org/womenshealth/pcos.htm).

I took Metformin throughout my pregnancy without any problems from it. One of the OBs that I saw seemed to think my endocrinologist was crazy for having me take it during pregnancy and sent me to a high risk doctor for an ultrasound/consultation about "medication exposure"--the high risk doctor looked at me like I had 10 heads when I said that's why I was there. He told me that Metformin is considered safe to take during pregnancy, which is what my endocrinologist (who also used to be an OB) also said, so I took it throughout my pregnancy and it became a definite necessity when I developed Gestational Diabetes.

If the receptionist or nurse is giving you a hard time, ask to speak directly to the doctor. If he is busy, ask that he call you back. If you don't get a call back within a day, call again. The nurse may think she knows what she's talking about, but she obviously does not, so go right past her and ask to speak to the doctor. She shouldn't be giving you medical advice.

EDIT: I just read that your doctor told you to speak with your OB. That's ridiculous, I think personally. During my pregnancy, my endocrinologist handled all of the PCOS-related parts to my pregnancy because the OBs are not as well-informed about it as he is.

 

[sheilarae07]

I have taken Metformin to control my PCOS (my insulin is normally fine) for about 3 years. I am almost 13 weeks now and have been on 1500mg daily. My dr. has mentioned that I may stop it at 14 weeks but I would rather stay on it to help prevent or lessen GD, if I get it. I talked to my pharmacist about it and she said there was no risk of taking Metformin while pregnant and it actually could help prevent complications. Of course, since I had been on it for so long, my body may be a little dependent on it. There is no risk with taking it during pregnancy but they may not want to start you after you are pregnant. I would definitely advocate for it though.

 

[itwillhappen]

I have taken Metformin to control my PCOS (my insulin is normally fine) for about 3 years. I am almost 13 weeks now and have been on 1500mg daily. My dr. has mentioned that I may stop it at 14 weeks but I would rather stay on it to help prevent or lessen GD, if I get it. I talked to my pharmacist about it and she said there was no risk of taking Metformin while pregnant and it actually could help prevent complications. Of course, since I had been on it for so long, my body may be a little dependent on it. There is no risk with taking it during pregnancy but they may not want to start you after you are pregnant. I would definitely advocate for it though.

I agree in here. I'm in a similar situation like the one above. I am on 1000mg though and chose to continue all the way through pregnancy, even if the OB said I can stop.
However, I am taking Fortamet, which is the brand name for Metformin. The reason is that when I started metformin, it gave me some horrible side effects (bad nausea and didn't feel like eating nothing). Once I switched with Fortamet, things got way better. I am paying 15x more for it (instead of $4, I pay $60) but it's worth it, to me.

I am saying this because since you got pregnant without being on metformin, I am not sure it's a good move to start now. Unless a dr puts you on. Talk with both doctors and see what they say. I believe today you have/had your appointment. How did it go?

Also try to relax (I know easier said than done) and think that this pregnancy is in God's hands. We can't always control everything in our pregnancy. I tried as well only to realize that He does a better job

Take care!