Metformin for PCOS: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & What Women Planning Pregnancy Should Know

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), recently renamed as PMOS, is a common reproductive hormone disorder. It can cause difficulties in conception, irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, and other symptoms. While there is no specific cure for PCOS, Metformin and a few other drugs can assist with symptom management and fertility.

Though metformin was designed for treating type 2 diabetes, the drug is nowadays extensively utilised in the treatment of PCOS for women suffering from insulin resistance. Understanding what metformin is, the features of metformin, and the benefits and drawbacks of metformin for PCOS and fertility will help women suffering from PCOS make wise decisions concerning their future pregnancy plans.

What is metformin?

Metformin is the prescribed medicine primarily used for treating type 2 diabetes. It increases insulin sensitivity and reduces blood sugar levels. It is prescribed to women with PCOS because most of them have problems with insulin sensitivity. It can help to stabilise the hormonal levels of such patients, regularise their menstrual cycle, and encourage ovulation. Despite being a drug that does not promote fertility directly, metformin may help to create the right environment that favours conception when used alongside other means of conception.

How does metformin work?

Metformin’s mechanism of action is based on enhancing insulin utilisation. Rather than increasing insulin production, it enables better insulin use by the body. Its mode of action can be summarised into three categories:

1. Decreases the glucose release from the liver.
2. Enhances insulin sensitivity, making muscle cells capable of using glucose more efficiently.
3. Decreases glucose absorption from the intestine.

In case of PCOS in women, reduced insulin production results in lowered secretion of excess androgens. The hormonal change may help:

• Better Ovulation
• Improved menstrual cycles
• Reduce acne and excessive hair growth in some women
• Improve fertility outcomes

Types and Forms of Metformin

There are various forms of metformin available.

1. Immediate Release (IR) Tablets

The IR metformin tablet can be taken 2 – 3 times a day during meals. It works faster, but it tends to produce digestive side effects.

2. Extended Release (ER/XR) Tablets

This form is slower in the release of the drug into the body. It can be taken once a day and is easier to tolerate among people who find swallowing tablets difficult.

3. Oral Solution

A liquid form of the drug is available for those who cannot take tablets. The correct dosage depends upon the condition of the patient, reaction to the medication, renal function, and advice from the doctor.

Uses of Metformin

Apart from being used to treat diabetes, metformin tablets are also used to treat a number of other diseases. Some of the common metformin tablet uses include:

1. For Controlling Type 2 Diabetes

It lowers blood glucose levels, and it is the first prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes.

2. Metformin for PCOS

The most popular off-label use of the drug is its prescription for PCOS patients since it regulates periods and helps with ovulation.

3. As a Part of Fertility Treatment

Sometimes fertility experts prescribe metformin before or along with drugs stimulating ovulation if the patient has problems with insulin resistance or obesity.

4. To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Development

It can be prescribed to patients with prediabetes to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in the future.

5. To Improve Metabolic Parameters

Some patients might benefit from taking metformin to regulate their cholesterol levels and reduce metabolic issues caused by insulin resistance.

Side Effects of Metformin

Like any other drug, metformin side effects may be experienced during metformin therapy, though most are relatively minor and resolve with time as the body adjusts.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Metallic taste
• Vomiting

Consumption of metformin with meals and a slow increase in dose usually help minimise digestive side effects.

Less Common Side Effects

• Vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged treatment
• Slight weight loss
• Fatigue
• Rare and Serious Side Effect

A very rare side effect is lactic acidosis, which tends to happen to those suffering from severe kidney problems, liver dysfunction, heavy alcohol consumption or some emergencies. Women must seek the advice of their doctor in case of continuous vomiting, severe weakness, trouble breathing or unusual muscle pain.

Benefits of Metformin

The following are some of the advantages that metformin provides to women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

1. Improves Insulin Sensitivity

The drug helps in the better utilisation of the hormone insulin, which is the underlying cause of PCOS.

2. Facilitates Ovulation

A large number of females begin to ovulate naturally after the treatment improves their level of insulin resistance.

3. Regulates Menstrual Cycles

A normal menstrual cycle serves as proof that your hormonal levels are normal.

4. Boosts the Effectiveness of Fertility Medicines

Some studies indicate that metformin can boost the effectiveness of fertility medicines.

5. Might Help in Weight Loss

Though this medication is not a weight loss drug, you can lose some weight if you combine the medication with proper exercise.

6. Decreases the Likelihood of Developing Diabetes

Since there is a greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes for women suffering from polycystic ovarian disease or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), metformin helps in reducing this risk.

Precautions for Metformin Use

Before the use of metformin, review your entire medical history in consultation with a qualified doctor. Precautions that should be taken into consideration are as follows:

• Inform your doctor in case of kidney problems or liver problems
• Avoid drinking alcohol in excess when using metformin
• Take this drug along with food to prevent nausea
• Don’t stop the use of metformin without consulting your doctor
• Inform your doctor if you conceive or intend to become pregnant
• Doctors may suggest routine kidney function tests and sometimes Vitamin B12 tests
• Inform your doctor about any medications and other supplements that you are taking to prevent drug interactions.

Why is future fertility planning necessary if you have PCOS?

It is a fact that PCOS has effects that go beyond just the menstrual cycle. It could have an effect on ovulation, quality of eggs, pregnancies and reproductive health over time. Although some medications, like metformin, will help to regulate hormones and aid ovulation, women may still need fertility testing and monitoring of their ovulation status or fertility treatments in general. It is important to plan because it will give you a chance to know your potential when it comes to having children, manage any other health issues that you might have and also be financially and emotionally prepared for any fertility treatment that you might require.

Fertility care may comprise consultations, tests, treatment with drugs, and, at times, procedures like IUI and IVF. These can incur great expenses. To have a fertility plan for the future is important, as it reduces uncertainty and gives you access to timely care in case you do not get pregnant.

Conclusion

For women with PCOS/PMOS, metformin has been successfully used as a treatment option. Along with potentially improving fertility by managing menstrual cycles and improving insulin sensitivity, metformin helps improve symptoms. There are some side effects of metformin, so it is important to use metformin with a prescription from the physician.

Women who plan to conceive need to decide on the use of metformin in consultation with specialists. With a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups, improving fertility is possible. SafeTree also helps you to make your parenthood journey stress-free by offering flexible future fertility plans to cover the financial aspects of the fertility treatment.

FAQs

1. Does metformin cause weight loss?

Metformin can lead to weight loss in some individuals through increased insulin sensitivity and decreased appetite. However, it is not used for weight loss, as metformin results vary between patients.

2. What if I miss my dose of metformin?

The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember it, but not if it is too close to your next dose.

 

 

Disclaimer:

This blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. The information provided here should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any decisions related to health conditions, symptoms, or treatments, readers are advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional.

The information related to insurance is provided for general guidance only. Before choosing any insurance policy, readers should consult our insurance experts to receive detailed advice based on their individual needs and requirements.

 

Published by: A2V Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd. (SafeTree)

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