PCOS and Metformin

[Nelli]

I have heard that there is only one drug available for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome called Metformin. Has anyone else been prescribed this drug for PCO and did they lose weight, cycles regulate, etc....

[incitatus]

Its not the only treatment by a long way, but it is probably the best.....It depends which aspect of PCOS is causing you trouble. The syndrome has been treated by oral contraceptives (quite effectively) but if you are trying to conceive (as one of the symptoms is reduced fertility) then this is obviously problematic. Metformin works by affecting the insulin levels in the blood, which commonly causes weight loss, though it is very rare for this to be troublesome. It also helps regulate the hormone balance of the body, so regulation of menstrual cycle is common..... There are support groups and info on line...try http://uc.edu/~gartsips/polycyst.htm for info on metformin. and though I havent been treated myself (Im male...) my sister in law has...and she lost weight, and now has a daughter.

[Sander]

There's an excellent self-help group for pco sufferers called verity - find it at www.verity.pcos.org.uk There was also a good article in the Guardian - find it at http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4
364656,00.html