Metformin (Glucophage)is a drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of Type II diabetes. Type II diabetes means one does not need insulin injections for their diabetes becaue they already have their insulin, but it just isn’t working with the glucose correctly. Oversimplied, I know. It has not recieved approval for the treatment of PCOS though it is widely used for PCOS. It does lower insulin levels by toning down the amount of sugar (glucose) that the liver makes. It reduces the amount of sugar absorbed from food, and helps the circulating insulin reduce the sugar in your blood. Again, oversimplified, but it sounds better than a textbook.
If the sugar in your blood is reduced, then that can help with ovulation and having regular periods. Of course, it helps the “heavy” with that waist:hip ratio and it lowers the amount of androgens circulating in your blood. We all know that hair needs two things to thrive - blood and hormones. So, metformin is a good drug to think about for a PCOS’er.
Metformin is used with antiandrogens and oral contraceptives and may boost those drugs effectiveness. Even if you don’t show signs of insulin resistance, it appears that metformin may benefit women for many other symptoms of PCOS.
There have been reports of metformin helping to lower blood pressure. I don’t know if that is coincidental because weight was coming under control?? There have been reports that teenagers showed good improvement in regard to hirsutism, helps with too much male hormone in their bodies and helps for for regulating their periods.
I am not doctor and I have never taken metformin. I am only reporting to you what I know about the drug. One of my clients is looking into alternative medicine information as she is not sure she wants to take any medication. I’m sure she will be educating me as she finds out information. I do hope others pop in and tell about their experiences or you can take a peek at www.soulcysters.com and join the discussion there.
Dee
