Metformin And PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Metformin and PCOS are named together as Metformin is very effective and powerful in treatment of PCOS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) will reveal itself with  symptoms associated with dysfunction of ovulation, hyperandrogenism, resistance to insulin and hyperinsulinemia. PCOS affects 7 to 9% of women of reproductive age.

Research says that PCOS may have a genetic link. A germ line mutation of the insulin receptor gene may cause insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can be defined as decreased response of glucose to an amount of insulin given. Not all insulin resistant women are hyperandrogenic, there are some more mechanisms that explain impaired glucose tolerance. These can be decrease hepatic clearance or improper pancreatic function.

Hyperinsulinemia may cause hypertension which on it turn may result in cardiovascular disease.

 

People who are having body mass index 25 to 30 kg/M2 can be categorized as overweight and those who are having body mass index more than 30 kg/M2 are obese. Women having body mass index more 25 kg/M2 are more prone to ovulation dysfunction. Almost all obese and overweight women are insulin resistant. They will have a typical body fat distribution, which is called an android obesity causing reduced level of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, which in turn, results in increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Other symptoms of PCOS  are acne, hair loss and hisutism (hyperandrogenism), reproductive diseases (irregular menses, impaired ovulation, polycystic ovaries etc.), weight gain may be associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.

By the age 40 to 45 years, in 30 to 40% of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients, insulin resistance or clinical diabetes will occur. They may experience sudden abortions. Hyperinsulinemia caused by insulin resistance may result in short and long term clinical manifestation of PCOS.

Metformin and PCOS

The title “Metformin and PCOS” refers to the fact that Metformin is the number one drug prescribed in the treatment of PCOS.  Metformin is a generic name for the brand of Glucophage or Glucophage XR. Being an insulin sensitizing Biguanide it increases the blood glucose level in Type 2 Diabetics. Metformin increases the cell’s response towards insulin and helps glucose to move into your cell causing the body not to make much insulin.

Studies show that Metformin improves ovulation, irregular menses, hirsutism, delay the onset of diabetes, decreases the levels of testosterone, insulin and glucose, improves chances of pregnancy, decreases risk of miscarriage, Metformin weight loss etc. However it is always certain that weight loss by doing routine exercise, healthy diet and clean life style also improves menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism.

Metformin can be found in three different forms:
The generic Metformin HCL
Glucophrage (brand name)
Glucophrage XR (brand name)

Metformin has very minimal Metformin side effects in gastrointestinal system. Using Metformin may cause more fat deposition in blood, pregnancy complication, anemia etc.

Metformin is contraindicated in case of liver failure, improper renal function, alcoholism, hypoxia and infections.

During the intake of Metformin, improve your food habit, do routine exercise, add extra nutrition to your diet (fish oil, biotin, vitamin E etc.) and take good quality vitamin and mineral supplement.

Conclusion: Metformin and PCOS

 

A healthy diet and regular exercise is more powerful than Metformin alone.  Do at least  do 20 minutes of exercises regularly, it will stabilise your mental and physical conditions. But Metformin and PCOS are tied together as Metformin is very effective and powerful in treatment of PCOS.