How Long Does Metformin Take To Help You Lose Weight

For women with PCOS, their bodies are producing more male hormones, which can result in irregular menstrual cycles, or may even stop menstruation altogether. Metformin treatment, however, can lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women with PCOS, stimulating ovulation and encouraging regular monthly periods.

For many women though, knowing its side-effects and how much it contributes to weight loss can be quite confusing. One of our top consultant gynaecologists and experts in women’s health, Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, clears this all up for us.

As a result of insulin resistance in PCOS, circulating insulin levels rise. In the ovaries, high levels of circulating insulin can contribute to excess male hormone production and the absence of ovulation. Simple screening tests, such as fasting blood glucose, can help rule out the presence of insulin resistance if it is less than 5.2 mmol/l.

Descriptive Review Of The Evidence For The Use Of Metformin In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Metformin enhances the sensitivity of insulin. Hence, it is logical to anticipate that insulin lowering andsensitising treatments, such as Metformin, can improve symptoms and reproductive outcomes for women with PCOS.

Metformin inhibits the production of sugar from the liver, decreases fat production, increases the burning of fat and inhibits new glucose molecule formation. This results in a decrease in circulating insulin and glucose.

Metformin alone does not help to achieve weight loss in women with PCOS and obesity. Therefore, lifestyle improvements and supporting women with individualised assessments, setting goals and using a combination of diet and exercise remain the first-line approach.

What Does Metformin Do For Pcos?

Once this approach has shown weight loss, then adding Metformin at that time has shown to be beneficial rather than starting the medication as a sole agent to cause weight loss, which is not beneficial. In other words, a patient's motivation to lose weight has to be established before starting Metformin by diet, exercise and will power.

A short survey conducted onMrKaroshi’s Instagram: 82% of followers believe that combining Metformin and Clomid or Letrozole can increase their chances of conception

As a first line therapy for the treatment of women who are anovulatory (lack of ovulation) and infertile with PCOS, Metformin alone is significantly less effective than Clomiphene Citrate alone.

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If you have a BMI greater than 35 and a clomiphene citrate resistance, you may see a potential benefit from the combined use of Metformin with Clomiphene Citrate.

Metformin appears to be safe in pregnancy, however, the usual advice is to discontinue post conception with the exception of those with existing diabetes.

You should be aware that there is a strong association between Metformin treatment and decreased vitamin B12 levels in patients with PCOS. This is particularly prevalent in women with weight issues and hyperinsulinemia. The increase in a body chemical called homocysteine could be due to the decrease in its essential co-factors - folic acid and vitamin B12. Research has shown that the long-term use of Metformin in high doses (1500mg or higher daily for more than 6 months) can deplete levels of vitamin B12.

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The best absorbable form of vitamin B12 is methlycobalimum. Taking this form of the vitamin sublingually (under the tongue) is recommended. It is also recommended that patients who take Metformin have their vitamin B12 levels checked before the start of therapy and a year later.

If you are still unsure of Metformin, book an e-Consultation with Mr Mahantesh Karoshi by visiting his Top Doctors profile and checking his availability.

Mr Mahantesh Karoshi is a London-based women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist, with a special interest in ovarian cysts, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, fibroids, and adenomyosis. He is currently one of the most highly-rated gynaecologists in London with a very good reputation amongst his patients and peers. Mr Karoshi's work is recognised internationally, having volunteered in Ethiopia’s Gimbie Hospital, and later receiving the Bernhard Baron Travelling Fel...

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Mr Mahantesh Karoshi is a London-based women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist, with a special interest in ovarian cysts, heavy menstrual bleeding, infertility, fibroids, and adenomyosis. He is currently one of the most highly-rated gynaecologists in London with a very good reputation amongst his patients and peers.

Mr Karoshi's work is recognised internationally, having volunteered in Ethiopia’s Gimbie Hospital, and later receiving the Bernhard Baron Travelling Fellowship from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which led to his work in the University of Buenos Aires. Here he worked on the techniques needed to surgically manage morbidly adherent placental disorders - a serious condition that can occur in women with multiple caesarean sections.

He believes in an open doctor-patient relationship, being sure to include the patient and educating them so that they understand their condition better and they can be directly involved in their care and management at every stage. Aside from his clinical work, he is actively involved in research, which together with his experience, has given him the opportunity to publish the first stand-alone textbook on postpartum haemorrhage which was launched by HRH Princess Anne.

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At the core of Mr Karoshi's practice is a high standard of professionalism where patients are involved in their treatment and where the latest techniques and advancements are used to provide an extremely high level of care.

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This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.Metformin is a common medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). These are the primary uses of metformin because it increases your insulin sensitivity, and insulin resistance is a common problem for Cysters and those with this type of diabetes. Up to 80% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can develop into type 2 diabetes and other long-term complications if left untreated.

Metformin & Pcos

So, if you’re a Cyster, is metformin the right medication for you? I plan to answer that question in this post today! I’ll break down exactly what metformin does, and I’ll give you my opinion on metformin for PCOS. Here’s what you need to know:

Metformin works by triggering an enzyme called AMPK, which prevents gluconeogenesis. (The production of new glucose.) This helps your cells respond to insulin, prevents your liver from producing too much glucose, and reduces the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines. When your body is better able to handle and break down glucose with the help of metformin, your blood sugar levels can lower, and your insulin sensitivity increases.

Metformin has been one of the main drugs prescribed to “treat PCOS, ” because when there is a reduction in insulin levels, other hormones fall into balance as well. For example, high testosterone levels often stem from too much insulin in the body as well! (Ozempic is another similar drug you can learn about HERE.)

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These extra male sex hormones (androgens) could be the catalyst for several PCOS symptoms including, excess body hair, acne, irregular periods, hair loss, mood swings, infertility, and weight gain. Needless to say, treating insulin resistance can make PCOS much more manageable!

Studies have shown metformin can indirectly balance your testosterone levels by lowering your body’s production and absorption of sugar. Which can relieve symptoms and potentially assist with weight loss.

So, what’s the catch, right? Well, metformin does not “cure” PCOS or insulin resistance. While on metformin you’ll see results, but when you get off the medication, your insulin resistance problems will likely return unless you’re making other meaningful lifestyle changes. Plus, the side effects of metformin can make you feel as though you’re trading one set of symptoms for another. 

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People on metformin report upset stomach, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, light-headedness on metformin, and worsening of other PCOS symptoms that don’t have to do with insulin resistance and testosterone levels. GI issues are one of those symptoms that sometimes worsen on metformin. If all that wasn’t enough, studies have shown that a natural supplement called inositol is over 35% more effective than metformin.

Before you start treating your PCOS, you need to know what type of PCOS you have. First, you can take my quiz to get an idea of your PCOS type. After that, of course, you’ll need to see a doctor who can do insulin resistance testing.

Your doctor will probably start by doing an A1C Test, which tests your fasting blood sugar levels over 3 months. This test is helpful, but it only shows a body with extreme insulin resistance. (Think borderline diabetic or pre-diabetic.) If this test doesn’t show signs of insulin resistance, it doesn’t mean it’s not there! Make sure your doctor also does an insulin glucose tolerance test to catch your insulin resistance before it progresses to diabetes.

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Once you’re certain you have insulin-resistant PCOS, talk to your doctor about symptom management and treatment options. Metformin is not the only way! Using inositol supplements in conjunction with lifestyle, diet, and exercise changes can be even more effective with none of the side effects.

Note: Taking inositol and metformin can be problematic, so definitely consult your doctor before you decide to