Metformin and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

For many women who have developed severe weight issues due to PCOS, their medical physicians are increasingly prescribing Metformin as part of an effective treatment program. Metformin and PCOS are considered to be effective at reducing the body's production levels of insulin, resulting in an increase to insulin resistance.

This resistance to insulin is what can lead to the increase in body weight. Even when proper diet and exercise is incorporated into the daily activities of women with PCOS, they very often see no significant results. Metformin and PCOS can also fight infertility, irregular menstruation cycles, heart disease, several forms of diabetes, some types of cancer, and various forms of heart disease due to its remarkable abilities to increase insulin resistance.

Metformin Weight Loss for PCOS

Metformin is traditionally prescribed as a treatment program for Type 2 Diabetes, but in many cases of severe PCOS, healthcare practitioners are prescribing Metformin as a last resort. Its potential side effects are wide ranging and can be quite serious. This medication is usually only prescribed after all other forms of weight loss induction have been proven ineffective, including the prescribing of birth control pills and antiandrogens.

Metformin Side Effects for PCOS

The side effects of Metformin are not felt as strongly in patients who suffer from Diabetes, which is why most physicians are less apt to prescribe this medication in women with PCOS. The more common side effects include, nausea, fatigue, sever headaches, confusion, mood swings, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, cramping, and flatulence. But Metformin has been known to induce seizures and coma in the more extreme cases.

Most women who take this medication for treatment in PCOS often complain of bloating, cramping diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. Metformin has also shown to incur increased levels of homocysteine. These are amino acids that are in the blood. Increased production of this amino acid can lead to a buildup of fat deposits in the walls of the blood vessels themselves, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Several patients who have ingested Metformin for treatment of PCOS over longer periods of time have also developed anemia and lactic acidosis. The latter is an increased production of the body's lactic acids that can be quite toxic and even fatal if left untreated. Irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, rapid breathing and muscle and joint pain are symptoms of this condition.