Metformin (for PCOS)

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Metformin for PCOS - Key Information

What is Metformin for PCOS?

Metformin is a diabetes medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label to help women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can lead to irregular periods, difficulty ovulating, and a higher risk of miscarriage. Metformin may help regulate menstrual cycles, improve ovulation, and support fertility.

How Does Metformin Help Women with PCOS?

Research has shown that Metformin can regulate periods and improve fertility in women with PCOS, particularly those who are overweight. However, it may be less effective in women who are severely obese.

Benefits of Metformin for PCOS

• Regulates menstrual cycles
• Stimulates ovulation, increasing the chances of pregnancy
• Reduces the risk of miscarriage when taken up to 12 weeks into pregnancy
• Lowers insulin and blood sugar levels
• May reduce high cholesterol and the risk of heart disease

While Metformin is not officially licensed for PCOS treatment in the UK, it is sometimes used off-label in cases where insulin resistance is contributing to fertility issues and other PCOS symptoms.

If you are taking Metformin but not trying to conceive, it is important to use contraception if you are sexually active, as it can increase fertility.

For more information on the benefits and risks of Metformin for PCOS, consult the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

What do PCOS patients using Metformin as a treatment have to say?

Each PCOS patient has a unique individual experience when taking Metformin tablets as a treatment prescribed off-label by their healthcare provider.

Metformin Reviews

Read first hand what other UK Meds customers think about Metformin and it's impact on patients lives on our customer reviews above. For further context there are also a large selection of Metformin reviews describing what people think about their experiences with the medication available at Drugs.com and Web MD.

It is important to note that people may have different experiences when they use Metformin. If someone states that their medication did not work as they had hoped, it does not mean that it will not work for you. If you believe that Metformin tablets are the right medication for you then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor or healthcare professional, and judge the medication based on your own experiences if they recommend it as a treatment.

Patient Information Leaflet

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Metformin patient information leaflet.

Usage Advice

Metformin is often prescribed off-label to help manage PCOS symptoms such as irregular periods, insulin resistance, and fertility issues. The way you take Metformin depends on how well your body tolerates the medication.

Standard Dosage Plan

Metformin is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased to help your body adjust. A typical dosage schedule may look like this:

1. Start with 500mg once daily for 1–2 weeks.
2. Increase to 500mg twice daily for another 1–2 weeks.
3. Increase to 500mg three times daily OR 850mg twice daily for another 1–2 weeks.
4. Final maintenance dose: 1,000mg (1g) twice daily OR 850mg three times daily.

Slow Increase for Those Experiencing Side Effects

Some women experience side effects like nausea or stomach upset when taking Metformin. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a slower increase:

• Week 1: 250mg once daily
• Week 2: 250mg twice daily
• Week 3: 250mg three times daily
• Week 4: 500mg twice daily
• Week 5: 500mg three times daily
• Week 6: 1,000mg (1g) twice daily

How Long Should You Take Metformin for PCOS?

There is no strict time limit for using Metformin for PCOS. However, if you do not see any benefits after six months, your doctor may suggest stopping the medication or exploring alternative treatments.

Always follow your doctor’s advice, and if you experience any side effects or concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.

Dosage

What is the recommended dose of metformin to treat PCOS?

If your doctor prescribes Metformin for PCOS, they will usually start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to help your body adjust.

• Starting dose: 500mg once daily with food.
• After 2 weeks: Increased to 500mg twice daily.
• After another 2 weeks: Increased to 500mg three times daily (if needed).

Your GP or doctor will decide the best dose for you based on your health and response to treatment. Always follow their advice and take Metformin with food to reduce stomach upset.

Side Effects & Precautions

Metformin is generally safe, but some people may experience side effects, especially when they first start taking it. Most of these improve over time, particularly if the dose is increased gradually and taken with food.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach issues – nausea, diarrhoea, bloating, stomach pain, or loss of appetite.
• Metallic taste – some people notice a slight metallic taste in their mouth.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency – Metformin can reduce the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12, which may require monitoring or supplements.

How to Reduce Side Effects:

• Take Metformin with meals to help prevent stomach upset.
• Start with a low dose and increase slowly, as advised by your doctor.
• Extended-release versions may be easier on the stomach.

Important Warnings:

Kidney Function:

• If you have kidney problems, your doctor will need to monitor you carefully, as Metformin can increase the risk of lactic acidosis (a rare but serious condition).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:

• If you’re trying for a baby, Metformin may help with ovulation. However, you should speak to your doctor before taking it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

When to Contact Your Doctor:

• If you experience severe or persistent side effects, speak to your GP to see if your dosage or treatment plan needs adjusting.

Alternative PCOS Treatments

Are there any alternative PCOS treatments to Metformin?

If Metformin isn’t suitable for you, other medications to treat Polycystic ovary syndrome are available if recommended by your healthcare provider. These include:

• Glucophage SR - Glucophage (a branded form of Metformin) can be used to treat PCOS and helps to regulate insulin levels.
• Sukkarto SR - Sukkarto, another branded form of Metformin, can help to manage PCOS by balancing insulin and improving fertility.
• Babystart FertilOva Specialist PCOS Supplement for Ovulation - Babystart Fertilova PCOS supplement can support ovulation and increase fertility for women trying to conceive.

Your doctor will guide you in choosing the best medication based on your health needs.

Sources:

• PCOS Treatment - NHS
• PCOS Management for Adults - NICE CKS
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Patient.info
• Metformin for PCOS - Royal Berkshire NHS (PDF)

Learn more with UK Meds support resources for Metformin and the treatment of PCOS:

• What is PCOS? - Learn about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that affects how the ovaries work.
• PCOS Symptoms Quiz - Take this quiz to see if you might have symptoms of PCOS and should talk to your doctor.
• Doctor Answers Your Questions About Metformin - Get expert answers about how Metformin can help manage PCOS and improve insulin levels.

Author

Scott Weaver

Medical Content Writer • Bachelor of Arts Degree

Scott is an experienced, skilled content writer dedicated to creating helpful and accessible medical content for UK Meds.

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Medical Reviewer

Alexis Missick

General Practitioner (GP) • MBChB

With over a decade of experience in the NHS and six years internationally, Alexis is a seasoned General Practitioner hailing from Turks and Caicos.

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