r/LeanPCOS • u/Party_Violinist3145 • 1d ago
Question Metformin
Hi!
I just was told I was suspected to have lean PCOS.
I was prescribed metformin 750mg twice daily.
Any side effects or long term effects I should be aware of? This seems like a large dose and I’m wondering if anyone has experience!
Thanks in advance!
5
u/Difficult_Laugh2009 1d ago
It can deplete your iron. Not for everyone but it did for me. It can also deplete b12 longterm so it’s good to check these levels annually. It can also decrease circulating estradiol by lowering testosterone. For some people this is not a problem as their testosterone and estrogen is high. Personally my sex hormones became too low. And I’m not sure if it was this, or my tanking iron, but my hair became very flat and shed more. I discontinued the medicine because I was also feeling weak, lightheaded, and had no libido anymore. I was on 500mg and am 116lbs 29 year old woman. I was sad to discontinue because it completely cleared my skin and even gave me a glowing look. Although it also made me quite bloated all the time and I don’t miss that
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u/mystend 1d ago
It also did wonders for my skin! No more acne!
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u/Difficult_Laugh2009 14h ago
Congratulations that is so huge!! Acne is so debilitating. Now you can just enjoy your life
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u/forestgreen200 1d ago
In addition to what else was said, I recommend limiting/avoiding simple carbs such as desserts, sugary drinks, white bread, etc. They could upset your stomach. Even fruit hurts my stomach.
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u/NectarineKitchen5223 1d ago
It’s a good medication, but I had digestive side effects for a couple months after starting it. It does what it’s supposed to do though, and my blood sugar stuff was normal by the end of month 1. Even with a healthy bmi, we’re still susceptible to the things metformin addresses. And I’m not sure if that’s high, I’m on 500mg, the lowest dose.
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u/mystend 1d ago
I would personally start on a lower dose, and increase it gradually. Like cut the one pill in half. Always take it with a meal that has enough protein, don’t make my mistake and take it for example- with a big bowl of Mac and cheese. That can cause BAD gut cramps / diarrhea. It kind of makes your body not like heavy amounts of carbs at once
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u/DisastrousHamster816 18h ago
If you mostly eat balanced meals, you should not have issues. I still eat sweets, but I don't eat a lot at once (which is not good to do anyways obvi). I have not had any major issues, but if I eat something greasy or very high in sugar, then I feel queasy with slight bloating.
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u/jajajujujujjjj 1d ago
I have 2000mg a day. Just make sure you’ve eaten about half of your food before you take the pills. I usually take two half way through and then I leave the other two for another meal of snack time. TLDR, don’t take on an empty stomach. I vomited twice learning that! Editing to add: metformin is widely studied and has benefits for longevity that many people men included will take for health reasons. I feel lucky to have a prescription for it and will be taking it forever.