Metformin and Cramps: What Users Say

• T2D...
• January 3, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "Diarrhea, bloating, etc. decrease within a few months. Extended-release tabs help, and eating small portions of food with low carb help too. I find that the cramps and diarrhea return every time I fall off the wagon, overeat, or take in too many carbs. It is a great motivator to keep you on your diet. And it is a great one to gradually, safely, and permanently lose weight. I lost 30 lbs in 2 years and kept it off, with no particular diet (except low carb) and hardly any exercise. Absolutely the best diet pill I've seen in my many diet trials over the past 30 years. I think anyone wanting to lose weight should try this, even non-diabetics."

• G2G...
• November 21, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I'm a 35-year-old African American female with a long-standing family history of diabetes. While I was devastated to get a diagnosis of diabetes back in August, I was determined not to let it beat me. My A1C back in August was 8.3, and after taking metformin 500 mg twice a day and watching my diet and regular exercise, I am happy to report that my A1C that was checked this month is 6.3. I had very few and mild side effects like mild cramping and diarrhea but stopped having after less than a week. The medication works for me and I'm hoping to get my A1C even lower come next check. Putting the Beat in diabetes."

• Ren...
• October 6, 2019

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "Been taking the max dose of Metformin for almost two years now, despite being non-diabetic and a young female within a “normal” BMI range. Diagnosed with “prediabetes” by my endo and has never officially crossed the threshold for diabetes since being on Metformin. There’s definitely an adjustment curve when beginning this medication; it’s been a while, but I remember the first few weeks were full of INTENSE cramping, nausea, gas, loose stools, and, strangely enough, back pain. The loose stools don’t really go away, but all the other symptoms have pretty much subsided. Despite its unattractive side effects, it has really helped me stabilize my weight (I was randomly gaining exponentially) and even curbed cravings. Thinking about talking with my doc to lower the dosage, though, because I’ve noticed that it’s starting to make me intolerant to alcohol and certain other medications."

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

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "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."

• Gru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Worked okay, but horrible GI side effects and weight gain. Hours after taking it in the morning, I had the feeling of a bowling ball in my stomach, sometimes accompanied by cramping. In the 3 months I took it, I gained 20 lbs, which came off when discontinued. I know this is the most popular med for type 2, but the side effects are worse than the symptoms."

• Sky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 22, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was put on metformin ER 500 mg once a day. My doctor told me to raise it to 1000 mg (two) in the morning and two in the evening. I told her about my stomach issues, so I decided to do 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening. The other day, I started to have very bad stomach pain. I woke up at 2 in the morning with very bad cramping and stomach pain. It felt like I wanted to throw up, even when I took it. I had a bad aftertaste, plus it made my nose bleed again. This medicine is not good at all."

• dia...
• June 2, 2009

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started this 1 year ago. The first day I couldn't leave the bathroom, after that, it was okay, but it gives me gas and cramps really bad, and it still does. If I eat, it goes away. No gain or loss in weight on this drug. I'm not fat. I do crave carbohydrates on it, though. My A1C usually is in the sixes most of the time. I have it checked every three months. I was fighting this disease on my own, but for me, I gave up after three years because I was very limited to what I could eat. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with a starting A1C of 13. I got it down to 8 with no medicines, but that is when I gave up because the lifestyle is just not conducive to normal life."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2011

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS 5 weeks ago and have been on Metformin ever since. So far, I haven't lost any weight (luckily, my condition was caught before I gained too much, I only have about 25 lbs to lose). I am a registered dietitian and exercise daily, so the not losing weight is a bit discouraging, but my endocrinologist has assured me that I will, apparently, with some people, it can take up to 4 months to start losing. The side effects were horrible the first two weeks, along with horrible cramping and a constant period for 3 weeks. However, now I have no side effects at all, you just have to stick with it. My doctor was great and recommended taking the Metformin at night so that I would be at home for the side effects. I take 1500 mg daily."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Diagnosed with T2 diabetes Nov 14, 2016. Sugar level is 300, A1C is 12. After a month of taking Metformin 500 mg twice a day, by December my blood sugar is 250. Did not take another A1C as the doctor plans to get another one by March 2017. Our goal for A1C is at least 7 and blood sugar is 100. So, been trying hard to get 150 off. But, recently been skipping meds as we moved to another house, and the holiday season and full-time job... it's not easy. Been getting dizzy, cramping is way too much for me that I just don't want to move at all. Yes... losing weight is good because the doctor said I weigh from 165 to 138 and I need to lose at least 20 lbs more. Seriously, the right food to eat is what I am still searching."

• Tan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I went to my OBGYN and got diagnosed with PCOS. She didn't do blood work, but she did do a vaginal ultrasound, and we got to see all my little cysts on both ovaries. I had so many on both of them that we couldn't count all of them. Since my husband and I have been trying to conceive for 9 years, my doctor put me on a 'combo' medication, as she calls it. She put me on Metformin 850 mg a day and on Radiance 20, which is Drospirenone-Ethinyl Estradiol, for 1 tablet a day. I'm supposed to take it for 3 months, then do Clomid for 3 months. If nothing happens, then I have to repeat everything again for the same amount of time. I started my treatment 2 weeks ago, and I still haven't gotten my period, and I'm getting concerned. As for my symptoms, I've had mild diarrhea, less hunger, lower abdominal cramping, breast tenderness, and lost 3 pounds. I'll update when I can! Thank you, everyone."

• Lon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have taken Metformin 500 mg once daily in the last 6 months. Finally, I got to the endocrinology, and they put me on 2000 mg per day. Now I am slowly increasing the dose - I had bad diarrhea, cramps, and everything you can imagine! Hopefully, the side effects will go away - because otherwise, I have no problem with it. Slow but steady weight loss, no more food cravings, and crazy frustration if I can't get my hands on carbs. I noticed I don't really want to eat oily food, junk food... which is brilliant!"

• Kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been off and on birth control since 2011 to regulate my period. After being off birth control for 6 months, I went to the doctor for refills, except this time he prescribed birth control and metformin. I have been taking 500 mg a day for the past 5 days, and it has been absolute HELL! I feel bloated and weak all day. I feel nauseous all the time, which also discourages me from eating. And when I do eat, I get stomach aches and occasionally diarrhea. Also, I already had a sleeping problem, but now it's cramps and tossing and turning all night. But I think the worst for me is the bloating, I constantly feel like I just ate a whole cow! It's so uncomfortable! Eventually, I'll have to take 1000 mg. Hoping the side effects decrease."

• ShA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS 4 yrs ago. I'm overweight (but losing weight now), but I don't have the typical facial/body hair, acne, etc. that is normally associated with PCOS. I was prescribed metformin but stopped taking it and didn't go back to the doctor again until this past Feb. I've had irregular periods since 2005 after I gained a lot of weight. I had a period, maybe every 3-4 months, and the flow never was normal. It usually was very light and lasted just a few days. I started taking metformin 500 mg on Feb. 7th and I started my period on Mar. 5th, and the cramps were absolutely awful and the bleeding was excessively heavy. I'm now 6 days late and negative preg test. I'm 29 and want to be a mother so badly. I really hope metformin helps me with this."

• Har...
• June 21, 2010

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 43 and have suffered for about 10 years from extreme tiredness, acne around the mouth and chin, and weight gain. Was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2000. Started taking metformin 3 weeks ago and have had little side effects. I am also taking spironolactone. My biggest complaint is severe, sudden cramping in the small muscles in the front of my legs and toes. Taking calcium with magnesium seems to help. I felt tired for several days, but have lost 5 lbs already. (Could also be from water weight). My brain seems less foggy and I don't feel as depressed. I do not eat sweets in general, but this medication has affected my appetite in a good way!!"

• new...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "So this is the first drug I have tried. Dr. warned me about GI distress and typical weight loss of 10 lbs. Started on 1000 mg every day. All it did was give me diarrhea, I'm talking horrible cramping with 3 hours of diarrhea until dehydrated and weak. I changed to taking 500 mg in the morning and evening, which helped relieve the frequency of diarrhea some, but still had cramps and heartburn. My Dr. told me to stick with it, as symptoms should lessen over time. They did not. At three-month checkup, my HgbA1c was actually elevated from before starting the med, and I gained 4 lbs. My Dr. suggested changing the med as GI symptoms just don't resolve for some people."

• K08...
• December 23, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started to take Metformin two months ago, after finally receiving proper treatment for PCOS and insulin resistance. The first month was especially rough; gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea were persistent. It seemed my body was used to my blood sugar being high, so if I didn't watch mealtimes, I ended up having minor symptoms of hypoglycemia, even though my blood sugar was normal (finally!). On rough days, I would take an Imodium with my Metformin, careful not to overtake it. I stopped eating crap (it made me sick), and I found that if I took it an hour or two before or after meals instead of with the meal, my GI side effects weren't as bad. Drink lots of water!!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome when I was 16 years old. My doctor put me on birth control at first for about 3 years. I just had my physical on December 3rd, she prescribed Metformin 500 mg because I told her I want to have a baby. I started Metformin since December 3, 2014, so it has been a month taking this medicine. I have noticed some weight loss, and I also have been feeling some headaches and not wanting to eat much. This week, I have started feeling some cramps because I do believe it's almost time for my period to come. Hopefully, it is regulating already. I can pretty much say this medication has helped me, and hopefully, I can have my bundle of joy soon."

• Mol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 26, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking metformin for years, but I'm finding that different generics not only are less effective but give me more acid and G.I. problems. Teva was good, but they stopped making it. Sun Pharmaceuticals/Cacaro was also good at controlling BG, with no side effects. But I find the pharmacies are carrying cheaper generics, particularly with the Medicare drug plan insurance. I'm finding that my blood sugar is not as well controlled, and I'm having more problems with nausea and cramping, though no diarrhea. I may have to switch to something else, I'll see what the next A1C is like."

• MzM...
• June 23, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Your reviews have been so helpful and are giving me hope! I was on birth control for years, then finally got off. My cycles have been irregular ever since. So I was put back on birth control just to have a cycle. My husband and I are trying to conceive, so I went to the doctor to have an ultrasound done to check my ovaries, and that's when I found out I have PCOS. My doctor started me on Metformin. I started taking it on 06/20/15. The symptoms started immediately! Really bad cramps and major diarrhea. I haven't been taking it for a week yet, and I'm not to stop, but right now I don't like the feeling. But my doctor said this helps with me trying to have a baby. So hopefully good news soon :)"

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 1, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've taken metformin to treat my PCOS for nearly 2 years now (I can't take any kind of birth control, they make my blood pressure dangerously high). At first, it was a challenge because of the side effects (nausea, cramping, and diarrhea), but I figured out that taking one pill with breakfast and the other right before bed seriously reduced the side effects. However, even if the side effects had continued, I would still recommend taking it for PCOS. Feeling a little gross for an hour or two every day is MUCH better than ending up in the hospital again from a massive cyst rupture."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am now just over 3 weeks in from starting on metformin and have increased to 1000 mg a day, possibly increasing to 1500 mg a day tomorrow. I have lost my first stone, but I must make it clear that I feel this is more due to my diet than the metformin. I have been calorie counting with the help of an app and know that I am coming up to my difficult time where I always struggle with my diet at about this stage. I have also been taking Provera to try and regulate my bleeding, which unfortunately isn't yet giving me the desired effects. I am currently suffering a lot of cramps and heavy bleeding but am trying hard to stick with it by focusing on what I want at the end of all this, which is hopefully a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I'm 36 years old, never missed a period in my life since 13. Have an 8-year-old child. One miscarriage and not able to conceive. Have hypothyroidism since 2012. Steady weight gain, thinning hair, excessive hair on face (now that I notice). My doctor says I'm likely to have PCOS. Put on metformin XR once a day. Taking since 15 days. Bad cramps, diarrhea like never before. I stopped taking the medicine. But now I have aversion towards greasy food, do not feel depressed, and feel energetic, so decided to continue. And yes, I have lost 2 kilos. Looking forward to conceiving."

• AEG...
• June 20, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I've had PCOS since I was 17. Now I'm 32, and I've been on metformin for 3 months. I get really bad stomach aches and cramps to the point that I feel like I'm going to be ill. I also get heartburn almost every day and bad diarrhea several times a day. The side effects never seem to improve. I'm on about 1000 mg to 1500 mg a day. I don't get my periods at all. Been prescribed Clomid to ovulate, but haven't started yet as I'm a bit nervous."

• Mem...
• March 26, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "So I have been on metformin for about 3, maybe 4 months (not really for sure, so please forgive me), and I was finally having regular menstrual cycles. On January 31, 2017, I spotted and was cramping a lot, I thought it was time for me to start my period. Well, I haven't had my menstrual cycles since then. I have taken so many pregnancy tests, and they have all come out negative. At this point, I am worried, is there anyone that can help or something before I lose my mind?!?"