Scared of metformin

jencity9

I'm starting metformin tonight, and I know it causes stomach issues. I am doing one a day for now and stepping up each week until I'm doing four a day. I already have stomach issues that I am always cautious about so am worried about this. Any tips I should keep in mind? I am a therapist and see clients throughout the day, mainly at their homes, and am concerned!

sweetpotato123

Ditto the ER. It does take a bit to get used to, but now I only have GI flare ups every once in awhile. It's not the greatest, but if it does what it's supposed to to help wit getting pregnant, it's worth it! Lots of luck!

jencity9

I'll have to check. Thanks for the info! Suppressed appetite and weight loss would be nice lol

jbasore1123

I think I'm on the regular kind, not ER, and only had issues the first few days. No problems eating bread and sugar now, but I heard it helps to avoid it initially

jessimi06

I second the extended release. I had constant stomach issues on the regular pills and it was not a fun time. The extended are much more easier on the tummy/digestive system.

Mrs.Ess

I definitely recommend the extended release. I took the regular stuff for a couple of years and still continued to at least occasionally have horrible, out of the blue, don't see it coming explosive diarrhea . Sorry so graphic but it's true. On XR I initially had bad headaches and constipation but that resolved quickly.

GL!

swyatt2014

Did your ER prescribe the metformin, or regular physician? I asked my ER about it and he told me he doesn't think I need it .... but honestly if it has positive effects with IVF and maintaining a pregnancy IDK why he wouldn't give it to me.

jencity9

My RE prescribed it. But we also tested my glucose etc. and my levels are high. I'm in pre-diabetes range, so I assume it has to do with that. Also my egg quality on my first IVF was poor so I think maybe this and a couple other things will help that be better. I'm not really sure how it all works together, lol.

fjamil1

I asked my RE if I should be on it. I have PCOS and Insulin resistance. RE said it doesn't really helps, but also it doesn't hurt either. I told him it helped with conceiving the last the two times.He said I am a good candidate for Metformin, and started on extended release ones. I used to be on 1000 mg a day before, but now I have to go upto 1500 mg over the next three weeks.

MARISAV77

Have you heard of inositol? It's a B vitamin and there is some published research out there that inositol helps with improving egg quality especially with IVF patients, also helps with PCOS by basically doing the same thing as metformin does. I was diagnosed with PCOS in July with my high testosterone and anovulatory cycles. My RE said I didn't need metformin though because I was responding well to my medicated cycles. I am on a 3 month break right now from medicated cycles and also started to take 1800mg inositol last month and this is the first month I have ovulated on my own (confirmed through my temping charts) and currently in my 2WW. I mainly wanted to take inositol to lower my testosterone levels because my hair was falling out. I will be getting my testosterone levels checked this month to see if it's working. Do some research on inositol and see if it's something you can bring up to your RE and try. I know some other ladies who are doing IVF, their REs have them on inosotil.

przemosbabe

It did cause me to have ummmm, an irritated and upset stomach, but it did get easier after I took it for awhile. I am stopping it, and don't let me scare you, because it has lowered my AFC and lowered my response to meds in my cycles. But with your insulin being high you need it, because insulin levels can cause immature eggs during Ivf and if you have immaure eggs it is worse than having a lower egg count because you can't use the immature eggs. Best of luck to you!

jencity9

przemosbabe said:

It did cause me to have ummmm, an irritated and upset stomach, but it did get easier after I took it for awhile. I am stopping it, and don't let me scare you, because it has lowered my AFC and lowered my response to meds in my cycles. But with your insulin being high you need it, because insulin levels can cause immature eggs during Ivf and if you have immaure eggs it is worse than having a lower egg count because you can't use the immature eggs. Best of luck to you!

Thanks! Yeah I believe in my case it should (hopefully) help with the egg quality. The stomach issues... It has been interesting!! Lol. I'm very cautious about what I am eating, because I have been fine overall but I guess some foods I'm just gonna have to stay away from!

przemosbabe

I really wish you the best with the stomach issues. I am certain it will get better overtime. You really do need it with insulin issues! Ill be stalking to see how things go for you.

tumbleweed123

I had the stomach issues (like, urgent panic time) when I went up to 1500/day.  I'm on extended release and things leveled out after being on 1500 for about a month.  I also take inositol. My RE says taking both is fine. 

jencity9

tumbleweed123 said:

I had the stomach issues (like, urgent panic time) when I went up to 1500/day.  I'm on extended release and things leveled out after being on 1500 for about a month.  I also take inositol. My RE says taking both is fine. 

I have been doing okay but am getting worried about the increases... I've read in a few places that people had trouble at the 1500 mark! Was it related to specific foods you are or was it just your body adjusting in general?

tumbleweed123

jencity9 it was just in general.  I actually gave up gluten, sugar and dairy a little bit after starting Met, so I wasn't even eating any of the foods that others have mentioned trigger bathroom disasters.  (I've read that some find eating carb heavy stuff can cause issues.)  

It definitely gets a lot better after the adjustment period. Also, I take my dose at night, which seems to have helped as well.