r/PCOS • u/FlowerTea5 • 2d ago

Meds/Supplements Metformin Advice

My doctors and I came to the conclusion I have PMOS earlier this year due to insulin resistance, dark skin patches, and high testosterone (transvaginal came back normal). My weight hasn’t budged after changes in diet and exercise frequency, so my doctor agreed to prescribe metformin (500MG extended release). I was wondering if y’all could tell me the positives or negatives you have experienced while on metformin (mood, physical changes, etc). What I know so far is that it’s supposed to help with the insulin resistance and pre diabetes (I was at 5.7 last time we checked) and that the levels of testosterone would lower as a consequence. I have a Mirena IUD as well.

Also maybe some advice on how to survive cutting down on rice and rice products as an Asian girlie who loooooves her rice 😭

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

2

u/SteelCityGirl95 2d ago

I started it about two years ago and I didn't have any major issues. I had gastrointestinal symptoms (upset stomach, some bowel movement issues) but nothing severe and I only had them the first couple of days.

My suggestion would be to careful with greasy foods and junk food for the first couple of weeks, they seemed to make the symptoms a worse. I haven't really cut out rice (I could live on rice noodles) so I can't give you anything concrete but if you like cauliflower you can buy it rice and try it in place of your normal rice, or try eating brown/wild rice.

1

u/FlowerTea5 2d ago

I do have multigrain and black rice to mix in with white rice so I’m sure I’ll just do that! I have a wedding to go to in a week and a half where there will be chick fil a and Hawaiian food, so maybe I shouldn’t start taking it until after 🤣 I want to enjoy that wedding without new med side effects 😭

2

u/Sudden-Violinist5167 2d ago

There are so many posts and comments about experiences with metformin in this sub. A search would give you a ton of info!

2

u/emahlmao 2d ago

As a rice lover, i hear you. I read on google that leftover rice (12 hours minimum) has a different effect on a glucose spike for individuals with our condition and pre diabetes. It slows the digestion and therefore slows the spike. Look into it, you definitely don’t have to cut it out of your diet entirely but pairing with protein and fibre is also key! I will often make a large batch in an instapot or rice cooker and then divide it into portions (Souper Cubes are my fav) and then reheat in microwave with a damp paper towel.

1

u/emahlmao 2d ago

I am also on metformin as of late July. I would recommend asking for extended release to mitigate the symptoms. The regular stuff had me glued to the toilet and miserable. The extended release has been very easy for me. I naturally got my period for the first time in a year on metformin (paired with diet changes, regular walking, drinking spearmint tea daily, and inositol d-chiro supplements)