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Metformin for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome User Reviews (Page 3)

Brand names: Glumetza

Reviews for Metformin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Was...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2020

"I am 27 and I have PCOS and endometriosis. I was told to lose 20 kg before I could be operated on to remove the endo. My doctor prescribed me Metformin 500 mg for the first week and thereafter increased it to 1000 mg a day. It's my 9th day of being on Metformin and I have lost 2.25 kg in this time. My goal is to get to 55 kg and I'm currently 71 kg. I haven't really experienced the awful diarrhea, however, I have been getting crazy heart palpitations. Also, when I increased the dosage, I found that within the day I would experience some bad stomach cramps, but that's about it. Hoping to achieve my weight loss."

8 / 10
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  • geo...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 5, 2017

"I got my first period when I was 11 and was regular up until I was 14, and then they stopped. Fast forward to 2015, and I hadn't had a period at all for 5 years. I decided to finally do something about it, I was actually enjoying the lack of periods, to be honest! I had some tests done, and the diagnosis of PCOS was confirmed. My doctor put me on metformin 500 mg twice a day, and I hated it. I was so nauseous for the first two weeks, frequent diarrhea, and lots of dizziness, but it all passed. After that, I began to have more energy, and my period came back. It makes you feel really gross at first, but if you can survive the first few weeks, you'll be all good!"

8 / 10
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  • 100...
  • January 13, 2016

"I have sat here and read all your reviews. I was diagnosed with PCOS about a year ago. To be honest, I haven't done much. I do have 2 kids. Why am I here? For those of you who want to have a baby, you should try seed rotation along with your metformin. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance which the seeds WILL regulate, allowing you to conceive. I have not started metformin, not until Sat, but I do take my seeds regularly and have seen a decrease in hair growth (lighter eventually stopped) as well as weight loss. I am not currently sexually active, but I did recommend it to someone who was having trouble conceiving, and within 4 months, they were pregnant. I am attaching a link so you can read further. Thanks and good luck to everyone! Stay hopeful."

6 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Anonymous
  • November 17, 2011

"I have only been on Metformin 5 days and I already see the difference in my symptoms. I have more energy and already lost 1.5 lbs. Before, it took me a year to lose 10 lbs. I have mild gastrointestinal discomfort but well worth it. It seems to help with food cravings. I used to drink 5 cups of coffee in the morning and I am down to only one without any caffeine withdrawal symptoms. I also don't crave sugar or high carb foods. I have a healthy snack in between meals to prevent blood sugar drops such as an apple, berries, or carrots. I would recommend this to anyone suffering from PCOS."

8 / 10
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  • Hap...
  • February 24, 2017

"Have been struggling with PCOS for a long time but wasn't diagnosed till I was 23. I gained 30 lbs (155 lbs) and stayed that weight no matter what I tried for a few years. Then I got pregnant (no issues at this point) and had my son... but ballooned up to 211 lbs during pregnancy, and after I had him, I could only get down to 175 lbs. Fast forward a few years, and we were trying for 7 months to conceive a second time with no luck. Someone suggested I take Metformin, so I tried it. Within 2 weeks, I was pregnant. Now I have a 4-month-old little girl. It worked for me, and I am so thankful for it. I am going to go back on it after she turns 6 months because now I need to lose weight badly, and the acne is killing me. I'm 5'4 and 190 lbs!"

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  • Yvo...
  • February 15, 2017

"I was age 19 when diagnosed with PCOS. I did my research shortly before I sought medical help for it, even though I did get a cycle every month. When I saw my gyn and told her about my research on metformin, she prescribed me my own script. I took 1,000 mg twice daily for 30 days and felt great. I then conceived my daughter in June of 2013 and had her in March 2014. No problems taking it throughout pregnancy, it helps reduce the risk of miscarriage as well. And yes, my gyn gave me this info and benefits during pregnancy!"

10 / 10
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  • McC...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 24, 2019

"So the side effects of metformin. I was at a birthday party with a bunch of friends a few months ago, and I had to poop so bad. Like a bad one. And someone was in the bathroom, so I left my boyfriend at the party and went to McDonald's next door. Didn't tell my boyfriend I was leaving. I left my phone at the party because I was in such a rush. The three guys outside the bathroom definitely heard what I did. They laughed at me. My boyfriend panicked, and everyone at the party wanted to know where I went. It was an awful time, I never want to go back. Metformin gives me the runs, but it helps regulate my periods. Takes away the awful feeling I get emotionally and physically during my period and helps a lot with weight management. Just make sure you eat right on it so you don't get shamed at McDonald's."

9 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 9, 2014

"I have been taking 1000 mg Metformin ER once per day for 3 weeks now. I experienced barely any side effects apart from a little nausea for 2 days, but nothing more after that (for anyone experiencing nausea, my gyno really emphasized taking it with a meal to stop you from feeling that way). I feel great while taking it and have lost 4.5 kilos already (with moderate exercise). I haven't had a period in 104 days, but I have been feeling some cramps the last few days, so hopefully, the Metformin will begin to regulate my crazy cycles."

9 / 10
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  • Nat...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 12, 2019

"I’ve been working out and eating right for a long time, and weight would not fall off. When I got on Metformin, I was not only able to lose the weight but maintain it too! It’s done wonders for my insulin resistance, and I’ve had little to no issues with it. I experienced some nausea and hair loss when I initially started it, but I started taking a B-12 a day, and the hair loss went away. The nausea went away over time."

9 / 10
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  • Ell...
  • October 16, 2013

"I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome 18 years ago. My experience has been horrible. Very irregular cycles, ranging from massive bloat, extreme flow, severe cramps, night sweats, and facial hair. I maybe have 3 periods every 2 years. Finally, my doctor put me on metformin. The side effects for me are pretty bad, mainly stomach pain and diarrhea. I work through it because I know my body will adjust. I've heard great things about this medicine, and I'm willing to go through a little discomfort to improve my irregular cycle."

4 / 10
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  • Mrs...
  • October 17, 2016

"I've been taking metformin for almost a week now to help me with PCOS and IR and to regulate my periods. Me BEFORE taking it: almost always tired, feeling hungry, and craving food all the time (especially sweets) even after meals, mood swings, myalgia or muscle aching especially in my legs, hypoglycemia: I'd get weak and shivery if I go without food for more than 3 hours during the day, awful. Me AFTER metformin: I'm more energetic, my mood is way better, the muscle aching is gone, and I only eat 3 meals a day now without craving anymore. I know it might be early to judge this med, but to see such results in a week is very promising to someone who's been TTC for 4 years. I'm hoping it will induce my period and eventually get a BFP."

9 / 10
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  • kat...
  • June 5, 2015

"To all the women desperately wanting to become mothers, I recommend taking folic acid or folate pills while taking the metformin. Folate prepares your female organs for pregnancy. I had my first child in 2003 at the age of 18, I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15. I lost 30 kg, and that's when I fell pregnant at 18. For the next 7 years, I was on and off different contraceptive pills, metformin, or no contraceptive at all, with no luck of getting pregnant as I was now back up to 115 kg after my first child. In 2010, I found a great Dr. who was studying to be a gynae. She told me if you want to conceive, take metformin and folate tablets together every day. So I did, and I never lost any weight, but bam, 3 months later, I was pregnant."

9 / 10
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  • Fee...
  • July 27, 2015

"I was told I had PCOS when I was 19. I'm 27 now, it's been a long road. I've been on every birth control, but I've always felt it was a temporary fix for a permanent problem. I've been taking metformin for 3 weeks now. I had really bad gas, so I took a heartburn pill when I took the metformin, and the side effects went down about 90%. I get a little tired sometimes, but overall I feel better! I no longer have cravings for chocolate and sweets. Hair growth has gone down! Just remember to drink a lot of water. I'm praying that this medicine really helps women with polycystic ovaries. Good luck, ladies!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • September 27, 2011

Metformin "This medicine has definitely improved my quality of life. Within the first 2 weeks of starting metformin, I lost 8 pounds (where before I struggled to lose weight). Now I am in a healthy BMI for my height group. I experienced no nausea while taking this medicine (I took it in the middle of a meal). I did experience some intestinal side effects (gas/diarrhea) for the first week, and in the first week, I increased my dose."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • August 22, 2016

"25 years old - diagnosed with PCOS at 16. Always have been overweight, abnormal hair growth, and irregular periods. I'm 'pre-diabetic' with diabetes on both sides of my family, so taking Metformin as a preventative measure. I've been on Metformin for 10 days and have already lost 3 pounds with no significant diet change and got my period on my own without having to take medication for the first time in years. Less hungry, especially at night. I did have terrible diarrhea the first few days, but that has resolved. Today started with a horrible metallic taste in my mouth, which I'm hoping will subside soon because I feel pretty good otherwise! My advice - don't get discouraged with the stomach issues in the beginning - push through!"

8 / 10
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  • din...
  • July 12, 2016

"My question - I need to know if anyone out there has had success taking this for the purpose of weight loss alone? I've always had PCOS. Never had one period on my own. Ever. I was induced on Provera and had one and luckily became pregnant. Because I never had periods on my own, I had a hysterectomy at 30. But I still have all the other symptoms of PCOS, including excess weight. After years of extreme eating, the gym, and running...my doctor is putting me on Metformin. All the success stories I've read on this blog are great and I'm happy for you, but they all have to do with conception. Does anyone have a story on weight loss?"

7 / 10
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  • Ken...
  • June 13, 2019

"I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 20 years old. I am now 23. My periods have been nonexistent ever since I hit puberty. The only time I have a period is if I am on birth control. I really got sick of being on birth control and my hormones being so on and off. I got prescribed Metformin about 8 months ago. I never took it when first prescribed because I was so afraid of all the side effects everyone has experienced. Well, I finally decided to take Metformin because I really want a regular cycle. I am not trying to conceive. I just want my body to be normal. And let me say I have not had any side effects whatsoever. Everyone reacts differently to medication, so don't let it discourage you. I have not had a real period in two years. I have been taking Metformin 500 mg a week to this exact day and my period has come. I am very happy with this."

8 / 10
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  • Nyk...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 18, 2017

"Metformin is for 'PCOS type 1', insulin resistant, becoming insulin resistant, prediabetic, or diabetic. If you're like me and have no diabetes/non-insulin resistance, you're 'PCOS type 2'. This great drug is NOT for us! My ex PCP and ex Endo both pushed this on me. I took it for almost two years. Over a two-year span, I developed every symptom of hypothyroidism, goiter, and my PCOS went crazy! I lost 60% of my hair, choking in my sleep from the goiter and zero energy. I gained 80 lbs, and my doctors couldn't figure out why. Got a new Endo, stopped Metformin! I'm dropping weight and goiter/hypo GONE! Full thyroid panel was always perfect, by the way. Google '5 types of PCOS'!"

1 / 10
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  • Kri...
  • November 29, 2008

"I have had PCOS all my life. I am 32 and had to have a full hysterectomy in May '08. I was told by my (male) doctor that having a complete hysterectomy would relieve me of my PCOS symptoms. It didn't. Ladies, we are still symptomatic of PCOS even with a full hysterectomy. I have since found a (female) doctor who is a specialist with PCOS cases and has me on all the right hormone replacement therapy as well as the Metformin. I take 5 pills a day and it is helping tremendously. I am losing weight and feeling better. I do get a bit tired as I adjust to the higher dosing. However, I have never felt better in my life. I would strongly advice seeing a female doctor for the PCOS issue at any age. Women just understand women - plain and simple."

9 / 10
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  • lee...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2019

"I was extremely scared to start this metformin medication after reading all of the horrible experiences people had. My doctor prescribed me 500 mg a day to start with, but for a week I cut it in half to try to lessen the side effects. Seems to have worked, because I am now up to the dose she prescribed with absolutely no side effects. I had a ton of anxiety for no reason. I eat a normal meal and then take the pill. For me, I take it after dinner since I tend to skip breakfast. If you were prescribed this for PCOS, don’t be scared. Just try it. Cut your dose in half if you’re like me and worry about everything. I haven’t been on it long enough to know how much it’s going to help me. I will update after I give it enough time."

10 / 10
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  • JJL...
  • December 4, 2019

"I love metformin. I've been on it for only two weeks, and I literally have had no symptoms. Eat with it, don't ignore that. Also, up your water intake. You will get sick if you don't eat enough. I was scared for no reason. My best friend refused to take it and developed diabetes by age 30 (diagnosed at 19). I was just diagnosed with PCOS two weeks ago at age 30. She begged me to listen to my doctor and take the medicine. I'm excited to change my lifestyle and, with this medicine, lose some weight."

10 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • February 15, 2016

"I have never had a regular period since I was 13. Probably only got my period twice a year since I was 13, and when it eventually came, it was really bad. Got married in 2010 and started trying for a baby. Got pregnant in Jan of 2011 even without having regular periods, but unfortunately, I miscarried. Was only diagnosed in late 2012 with PCOS and went onto Glucophage in August 2011. With the help of my wonderful doc, I conceived in November of the same year and delivered a healthy baby boy in August of 2012. Glucophage was really helpful to me, and I would really ask all you ladies to keep the faith and stay on even if it makes you sick for a while."

8 / 10
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  • Tan...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 20, 2019

"I started taking this medicine after trying to conceive for over a year, my DD (darling daughter) is a year and 8 months now. On April 19th, I went to the hospital over my concerns of being unable to get pregnant and had a transvaginal ultrasound. The doctor said my follicles are not mature, so my eggs were just like a pearl necklace, all the same size on a line, and I had just finished my period 4 days prior. There was supposed to be a dominant one, so all this had me devastated. He put me on 1000 mg of metformin twice a day, which I took but wasn't regular with. It made me feel like vomiting, I felt extremely sick that I thought I had cancer (God forbid). Today, May 20th, I hadn't seen my period, which was supposed to be due 2 weeks ago, so I decided to do a pregnancy test, and boom, the big positive! I'm grateful to God I only took this for 2 weeks (unreligiously) and discontinued because of the way I felt."

10 / 10
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  • Pet...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 25, 2015

"I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome a few days ago. I gained weight, and I didn't have my period for over 8 months. I am not overweight, but I was still advised to lose weight. I am on Metformin 500 once a day, and after one day, I got my period! Amazing! I did have pains, and I felt sick, but nothing horrible. I am going back to the GP for a check in 6 weeks, so I will let you know more. Just had to share my excitement as this was the website I was reading regarding Metformin."

10 / 10
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  • REQ...
  • December 5, 2016

"I was diagnosed with PCOS late. I am 49 years old, but didn’t know I had PCOS for quite a few years. I just thought it was early menopause. I gained 100 lbs in 2 years. I started at 285 lbs. Here is the key: Whatever the doc prescribes, start the first week taking only one 500 mg pill per day and take it after you have had a few bites of your meal, then eat the rest of your meal. Then, the second week, add the 2nd pill per day, etc. It's all about gradual adding. Per this smart doc, if you allow your body to get used to it the first week and take it with food, you will be less likely to suffer the nausea, etc. Using it, I have finally had a period and my energy level has increased. I am looking forward to the weight loss and other benefits."

9 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Symptoms and treatments