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PCOS/Metformin/Weight
I was diagnosed with PCOS, using blood tests and ultrasounds, when i was 15. Ever since then ive been on diets trying to lose weight. I find it a real struggle and over the past four years have only succeeded in losing tiny amounts of weight at a time and then putting it back on again, plus more. Since december 2005 i have gone from 10 stone 11 down to 10 stone 6 all the way up to 12 stone and now down too 11 stone 6.
During this time i have beenon various (sensible) diets, including a low gi plan which is recommended for pcos. I also exercise regularly.
I am desperate to get down to around 9 and a half ston not just for my appearance but for my health.
I am going to the doctors on monday to ask for metforming, Has anyone had any experience with this? Im not sure if they will put me on it.
As a uideline i think it is adviced that you should hav a bmi over 30 or a bmi of less than 30 and be gaining weight. My bmi is aound 27, do you reckon id be classed as gaining weight since i have put on over a period of time?
Its really getting me down at the minute. Im on the pill to regulate the other symptoms but my weight is the biggest issue for me by far. Its really affecting my confidence and i feel its holding me back. I get extremely moody all the time and i think this is due to constantly putting myself under pressure to diet and exercise.
I dont know what im asking here really. think im generally wanting to moan! i feel awful and im reaching desperation with it now!
Im going to take a chart of my weight/measurements with me to the doctors (which spans the last 3 years) to show them that im not looking at metformin as an easy way to lose weight, that im serious about this.Ill suggest that i follow a strict diet and exercise plan too.
Hopefully this will convince them to give me it!
During this time i have beenon various (sensible) diets, including a low gi plan which is recommended for pcos. I also exercise regularly.
I am desperate to get down to around 9 and a half ston not just for my appearance but for my health.
I am going to the doctors on monday to ask for metforming, Has anyone had any experience with this? Im not sure if they will put me on it.
As a uideline i think it is adviced that you should hav a bmi over 30 or a bmi of less than 30 and be gaining weight. My bmi is aound 27, do you reckon id be classed as gaining weight since i have put on over a period of time?
Its really getting me down at the minute. Im on the pill to regulate the other symptoms but my weight is the biggest issue for me by far. Its really affecting my confidence and i feel its holding me back. I get extremely moody all the time and i think this is due to constantly putting myself under pressure to diet and exercise.
I dont know what im asking here really. think im generally wanting to moan! i feel awful and im reaching desperation with it now!
Im going to take a chart of my weight/measurements with me to the doctors (which spans the last 3 years) to show them that im not looking at metformin as an easy way to lose weight, that im serious about this.Ill suggest that i follow a strict diet and exercise plan too.
Hopefully this will convince them to give me it!
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Hi Hannah,
I am really sorry to hear that- don't worry about it too much as you have been trying to hardest to lose the weight. Have you tried managing your diet and eating a lot of vegetables? I think all I can is that continue to exercise and def see your doctor.
I'm afraid, I don't know much about metformin but I hope it works out.
I hope you get better soon,
Take care,
xxx
I am really sorry to hear that- don't worry about it too much as you have been trying to hardest to lose the weight. Have you tried managing your diet and eating a lot of vegetables? I think all I can is that continue to exercise and def see your doctor.
I'm afraid, I don't know much about metformin but I hope it works out.
I hope you get better soon,
Take care,
xxx
Yeah, i follow a really good diet for the majority of the time. I dont eat processed foods (unless i absolutely cant avoid it) i get 7 portions of fruit/veg a day, never less than 5. I eat well balanced meals and regular healthy snacks to keep my blood sugars stable. When i can i try to choose low GI foods to also keep my sugars on a good level.
I exercise around 4 times a week in pretty intensive exercise classes.
I dont know what else i can do! Ive been working on it really hard over summer and in 11 weeks ive lost 4 pounds. im trying to think positively and tell myself that at least its the right direction but its so disproportionate to the effort ive put in and i cant help being disheartened!
I exercise around 4 times a week in pretty intensive exercise classes.
I dont know what else i can do! Ive been working on it really hard over summer and in 11 weeks ive lost 4 pounds. im trying to think positively and tell myself that at least its the right direction but its so disproportionate to the effort ive put in and i cant help being disheartened!
Reply 3
Hi Hannah,
I note you've said that you have been taking care of your diet. Sometime, stress can also be a cause but I think it maybe the pills. Do you go swimming? Try swimming as that may help you
I note you've said that you have been taking care of your diet. Sometime, stress can also be a cause but I think it maybe the pills. Do you go swimming? Try swimming as that may help you
Reply 4
Hey, if you look at this it shows metformin for PCOS. http://www.soulcysters.net/metformin/
It also tells you about exercise and weight. Its an american website but its
good http://www.soulcysters.net/
hope this helps
It also tells you about exercise and weight. Its an american website but its
good http://www.soulcysters.net/
hope this helps
Reply 5
I don't know much about this metformin at all - but are you sure your weight loss problem is to do with the PCOS at all?? You could just find it very hard to loose weight, you sound like you're at a pretty healthy weight and you also sound like you're doing all the right things, maybe your body is healthy where it is??
Reply 6
hanhan88
Yeah, i follow a really good diet for the majority of the time. I dont eat processed foods (unless i absolutely cant avoid it) i get 7 portions of fruit/veg a day, never less than 5. I eat well balanced meals and regular healthy snacks to keep my blood sugars stable. When i can i try to choose low GI foods to also keep my sugars on a good level.
I exercise around 4 times a week in pretty intensive exercise classes.
I dont know what else i can do! Ive been working on it really hard over summer and in 11 weeks ive lost 4 pounds. im trying to think positively and tell myself that at least its the right direction but its so disproportionate to the effort ive put in and i cant help being disheartened!
I exercise around 4 times a week in pretty intensive exercise classes.
I dont know what else i can do! Ive been working on it really hard over summer and in 11 weeks ive lost 4 pounds. im trying to think positively and tell myself that at least its the right direction but its so disproportionate to the effort ive put in and i cant help being disheartened!
Hi Hannah,
Yes absolutely, please don't feel down or let this upset you. You should keep trying and I'm sure you will lose weight soon. See your doctor and see what h/she says as I honestly think it maybe the pills because one of my friends is also on the pill and she has put a lot of weight on. Believe me you are doing as much as you possibly can certainly more than my friend.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Keep trying and don't feel dishearten. Have faith in yourself!
I hope someone else will be able to inform you of other ways of reducing weight.
Take care sweetie- I hope you feel better soon!
I think my weight problem is because of the pcos. Ive done quite a bit of researchon the internet into it and the characteristics of my weight gain/distribution is very typical of pcos related weight gain.
I dont necessarily think the pill is the problem. Ive been on it for ages now and have changed between pills and come off it for a while and this hasnt really affected my weight. I dont know, maybe i should ask the doctor about that too.
Id just really love to give metformin a try. from what ive read i think it would be worth a try for me. if it doesnt work then ill just try something else but id like to try it. im starting a 12 week programme at my gym in a few weeks so to do that with metformin and good diet i think would be a good thing.
Im not averse to putting effort in. i just want to get some kind of result from it and its jst so infuriating!
xxx
I dont necessarily think the pill is the problem. Ive been on it for ages now and have changed between pills and come off it for a while and this hasnt really affected my weight. I dont know, maybe i should ask the doctor about that too.
Id just really love to give metformin a try. from what ive read i think it would be worth a try for me. if it doesnt work then ill just try something else but id like to try it. im starting a 12 week programme at my gym in a few weeks so to do that with metformin and good diet i think would be a good thing.
Im not averse to putting effort in. i just want to get some kind of result from it and its jst so infuriating!
xxx
PCOS is linked to insulin resistance, though I'm not sure of the technicalities of the link. Both are linked to weight gain. Given that you really do seem to be trying your best, I'd say it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for metformin to increase your insulin sensitivity and hopefully start to sort some problems. I'm not sure on what GP's prescribing criteria are though...
First of all, 
I feel your pain! A few years ago my periods went from being extremely regular every 4 weeks to once every few months, and when they did come they are incredibly painful and heavy. Went for blood tests and an ultra sound and got told I MIGHT have PCOS. They couldn't be sure apparently...stupid doctors.
Tried the low GI eating combined with exercising, and ended up just getting frustrated when I was hardly losing anything, when mates of mine who eat whatever junk they want and don't attempt to exercise don't gain anything. Grr!!
I got put on a pill...I can't remember what one exactly...metformin sounds familiar, but that doesn't mean that's what it was. Anyway, whatever pill it was I stayed on for a month, got my painful period and then stopped. I was getting really bad headaches and it was during exam time, so not worth it.
I know it's probably not the best way to go, but I'm now kinda just seeing what happens. I'm not sticking religiously to the low GI, but I'm eating lots of fruit/veg, sensible portions, minimal junk (literally, just a square or 2 of chocolate) and still trying to get as much exercise as I can fit in/be bothered with. I know stress plays a factor, but meh. When exam time comes, hard not to get stressed!
I feel your pain! A few years ago my periods went from being extremely regular every 4 weeks to once every few months, and when they did come they are incredibly painful and heavy. Went for blood tests and an ultra sound and got told I MIGHT have PCOS. They couldn't be sure apparently...stupid doctors.Tried the low GI eating combined with exercising, and ended up just getting frustrated when I was hardly losing anything, when mates of mine who eat whatever junk they want and don't attempt to exercise don't gain anything. Grr!!
I got put on a pill...I can't remember what one exactly...metformin sounds familiar, but that doesn't mean that's what it was. Anyway, whatever pill it was I stayed on for a month, got my painful period and then stopped. I was getting really bad headaches and it was during exam time, so not worth it.
I know it's probably not the best way to go, but I'm now kinda just seeing what happens. I'm not sticking religiously to the low GI, but I'm eating lots of fruit/veg, sensible portions, minimal junk (literally, just a square or 2 of chocolate) and still trying to get as much exercise as I can fit in/be bothered with. I know stress plays a factor, but meh. When exam time comes, hard not to get stressed!
I have PCOS and was put on metformin. From what I believe, it works by regulating your blood sugar levels, as some diabetics use it too. When I first got put on it, I lost a bit of weight but then it just seemed to do nothing.
I believe that they shouldn't be taken with alcohol, which is why my consultant wanted to review things with me when I was at Uni (hehe!) but it wasn't until the last year or so i.e. finished Uni so not as much booze (!) that it's not really helped. I don't feel it's helped, so since about January I've been REALLY strict with diet and exercise and lost 2 and a half stone, but the last month or so have grinded to a halt.
Hmmm I guess I don't know why I'm telling you this, apart from to say that you're not the only one in this situation and that I know it's SO much harder to lose weight compared to 'normal' people. Also, trust me when I say your weight its not big, honestly! Nowhere near!
I believe that they shouldn't be taken with alcohol, which is why my consultant wanted to review things with me when I was at Uni (hehe!) but it wasn't until the last year or so i.e. finished Uni so not as much booze (!) that it's not really helped. I don't feel it's helped, so since about January I've been REALLY strict with diet and exercise and lost 2 and a half stone, but the last month or so have grinded to a halt.
Hmmm I guess I don't know why I'm telling you this, apart from to say that you're not the only one in this situation and that I know it's SO much harder to lose weight compared to 'normal' people. Also, trust me when I say your weight its not big, honestly! Nowhere near!
Hey there
I have PCOS too and have been on Dianette for several years now. I've struggled with weight too. I hit my highest at 12.5 stones last summer, but in the space of about 14 months I've lost roughly two stones. I just ate extremely healthily (reduced carbs drastically) and as much veggies (particularly green and leafy things) and fruits as I could. I figure that once you get your calorie intake low enough, you HAVE to lose weight. (Don't starve though!!)
I must say I've now stopped losing weight though. I'm finding maintaining hard - but that's more to do with my paranoia about getting fat than actually gaining if you get me...
I have PCOS too and have been on Dianette for several years now. I've struggled with weight too. I hit my highest at 12.5 stones last summer, but in the space of about 14 months I've lost roughly two stones. I just ate extremely healthily (reduced carbs drastically) and as much veggies (particularly green and leafy things) and fruits as I could. I figure that once you get your calorie intake low enough, you HAVE to lose weight. (Don't starve though!!)
I must say I've now stopped losing weight though. I'm finding maintaining hard - but that's more to do with my paranoia about getting fat than actually gaining if you get me...
i have had tests for pcos amongst other things. i dont know all of the results yet tho, till i hopefully see my regular doc on tues . i do know that my random glucose level was abnormal though. it was 8.4mmol whatever that means. will find out tues if i can get an appointment.
i am really irregular. skin problems still (21 now and its just as bad as when i was a teen). and really quite a lot overweight. if i dont have pcos i am hoping there is something they can give me to regulate my periods preferably that doesnt involve a side effect of weight gain. cos i am trying to lose still.
i am really irregular. skin problems still (21 now and its just as bad as when i was a teen). and really quite a lot overweight. if i dont have pcos i am hoping there is something they can give me to regulate my periods preferably that doesnt involve a side effect of weight gain. cos i am trying to lose still.
Reply 14
Helenia
PCOS is linked to insulin resistance, though I'm not sure of the technicalities of the link. Both are linked to weight gain. Given that you really do seem to be trying your best, I'd say it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for metformin to increase your insulin sensitivity and hopefully start to sort some problems. I'm not sure on what GP's prescribing criteria are though...
nah, metformin doesn't give weight loss.
Improves fertility in PCOS, but doesnt reduce weight.
Reply 15
Jamie
nah, metformin doesn't give weight loss.
Improves fertility in PCOS, but doesnt reduce weight.
Improves fertility in PCOS, but doesnt reduce weight.
Me again!
I asked the doctor for metformin and they agreed to it! I do feel better now i'm on that and it's had an effect on weight loss i'm sure. I've lost almost half a stone in the past 6 weeks or so that i've been taking it and my diet hasn't been as strict as over the 11 week period when i hardly lost anything.
Jamie - The doctor said to me it isn't guaranteed to help weight loss but in a number of women it has had a positive effect on their weight. It is used mainly for fertility but ir becoming more widely used in trying to boost weight loss too. It's not actually licensed for use in pcos in the first place though!
I've changed doctors now to one at uni and i'm being referred to gynae to try and see what's going on a bit more. all the tests i had are 5 years out of date now so it will be interesting to see what's changed in that time.
Also being tested for digestion related problems, possible IBS and malabsorption?! don't know exactly what they're testing for but i'm going for my bloods taken today, eek! not a fan of needles.
But anyway, pcos and whatever is wrong with my digestion seem to be the main causes of my lack of weight loss.
Some peaople have mentioned that my weight isn't that high or whatever...but, as i said to my doctor, even if i'm not THAT overweight, surely the fact that it's not budging at all indicates there's something wrong? and also, being fairly close to the weight i'm happy at (around 10st/10 and a half, at the minute 1'm 11stone 9) is even more frustrating becasue it shouldn't take me that long to get there! agh!
I asked the doctor for metformin and they agreed to it!
I do feel better now i'm on that and it's had an effect on weight loss i'm sure. I've lost almost half a stone in the past 6 weeks or so that i've been taking it and my diet hasn't been as strict as over the 11 week period when i hardly lost anything. Jamie - The doctor said to me it isn't guaranteed to help weight loss but in a number of women it has had a positive effect on their weight. It is used mainly for fertility but ir becoming more widely used in trying to boost weight loss too. It's not actually licensed for use in pcos in the first place though!
I've changed doctors now to one at uni and i'm being referred to gynae to try and see what's going on a bit more. all the tests i had are 5 years out of date now so it will be interesting to see what's changed in that time.
Also being tested for digestion related problems, possible IBS and malabsorption?! don't know exactly what they're testing for but i'm going for my bloods taken today, eek! not a fan of needles.
But anyway, pcos and whatever is wrong with my digestion seem to be the main causes of my lack of weight loss.
Some peaople have mentioned that my weight isn't that high or whatever...but, as i said to my doctor, even if i'm not THAT overweight, surely the fact that it's not budging at all indicates there's something wrong? and also, being fairly close to the weight i'm happy at (around 10st/10 and a half, at the minute 1'm 11stone 9) is even more frustrating becasue it shouldn't take me that long to get there! agh!
Reply 17
Ilora-Danon
Actually, it can affect weightloss, which is another reason why they give it to women with PCOS. Women with PCOS are often (but not always) overweight or obese and Metformin helps to aid weightloss.
No, it does not.
People with PCOS are often overweight, yes.
Metformin does not cause you to gain weight (unlike most anti-diabetic medications). yes.
But it does NOT cause or promote weight loss. There is zero evidence of it - and there have been a lot of trials to TRY and show it does (after all, it would make the manufacturers a LOT of money if they could show it aided weight loss).
Reply 18
Jamie
No, it does not.
People with PCOS are often overweight, yes.
Metformin does not cause you to gain weight (unlike most anti-diabetic medications). yes.
But it does NOT cause or promote weight loss. There is zero evidence of it - and there have been a lot of trials to TRY and show it does (after all, it would make the manufacturers a LOT of money if they could show it aided weight loss).
People with PCOS are often overweight, yes.
Metformin does not cause you to gain weight (unlike most anti-diabetic medications). yes.
But it does NOT cause or promote weight loss. There is zero evidence of it - and there have been a lot of trials to TRY and show it does (after all, it would make the manufacturers a LOT of money if they could show it aided weight loss).
Metformin is primarily for diabetics, yes, BUT it is being used more and more with PCOS sufferers too. It's not medically proven to work, but it's a widely used treatment for PCOS.
Reply 19
Ilora-Danon
I have books on the subject, I'm only quoting what I've read mate.
Metformin is primarily for diabetics, yes, BUT it is being used more and more with PCOS sufferers too. It's not medically proven to work, but it's a widely used treatment for PCOS.
Metformin is primarily for diabetics, yes, BUT it is being used more and more with PCOS sufferers too. It's not medically proven to work, but it's a widely used treatment for PCOS.
I have better books on the subject.
Metformin is proven to work with PCOS - to improve fertility and help regulate the menstrual cycle. It is not proven, and infact has been DISproven to cause or promote weight loss.
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