Metformin Stopped Working?

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southerngrace20

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discussion title:

Metformin Stopped Working?

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10072.1

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southerngrace20

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Oct-30 9:18 pm

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I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has had or is having a similar experience to my current state. I was diagnosed with PCOS almost 8 years ago when I was 23. I was prescribed Metformin, lost 60 lbs., had normal periods etc. etc. etc. Earlier this year, I started having trouble with my cycle again. I started having a period every other week and they were more painful than anything I've ever experienced. I was bleeding excessively and it was very....clotty. (Sorry for the visual!). I've gained almost 25 lbs, even while working out almost daily and being on the South Beach Diet (which is what I was on when I originally lost the 60 lbs without exercise). I'm exhausted; I could sleep 24/7. I was told by my PCP to increase my dosage of Metformin to 850 mg X 3 daily. I did, and it helped for a month, sort of. Instead of a period every other week, I had a "normal" cycle of 27 days. All other symptoms stayed the same. Since that one "normal" cycle, I'm back to every other week.

I saw my PCP again yesterday to discuss the results of recent blood tests. He says that my hormones levels are severely out of whack. He has referred me to a specialist in Endocrinology and a specialist in high risk Gynocology. He said that my PCOS is not being controlled by the metformin and that currently my hormone levels are those of someone headed into menopause. At age 30.

Beyond being shocked, this just doesn't make sense to me. I thought the major "sign" of heading into menopause was a lack of periods. That is definitely not my problem. I've tried doing research to determine a possible cause, but of course everything I read about PCOS and irregular periods discusses women who have long cycles, not enough periods. I have too many.

Has anyone else had this experience? Has anyone else had perfectly controlled PCOS go crazy after years of metformin use? Does this sound like symptoms of something completely different?

Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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cl-cyster

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re:

Metformin Stopped Working?

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10072.2 in response to 10072.1

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cl-cyster

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southerngrace20

date:

Nov-3 8:10 pm

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Hi there! Hmmm, it could be so many things. As our bodies change, treatment may change. Have you always been on the same kind of Met. Have you switched to generic or a different generic? Extended release? Maybe south beach is not the right plan for you any more. If I remember correctly, it is a lot of fish. Mercury. I think a cleanse would be a awesome idea. Not only get rid of the mercury, but also help with the medication buildup, since you have been on the Met so long. This is definately a must!!!! It will help the Met work better again. Are you taking extra B, enough D? Maybe change the way you are taking the Met. Before you upped it, I assume that you took in the morning and at night. Maybe switch to a 500mg pill and take 2 in the morning and two at night. This works for me, where taking it three times a day, dosen't. I forget the carb/protein ratio for SB. Maybe up the protein, see what happens.

Yeah, most research only talks about less periods. It is a fairly new idea that people can have more. Basicly the PCOS can make it go either way. As far as premenopausal hormones, that can be common with us. Also, what cycle day were they given. Could of been timed wrong.

And yeah, it could be something else. :-( I am glad that you are going to a endo. Hopefully he will have the knowledge to help you. Please let me know what happens! I am VERY interested! Laura

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diana0624

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re:

Metformin Stopped Working?

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10072.3 in response to 10072.1

from:

diana0624

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southerngrace20

date:

Nov-13 2:02 am

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Hi! It's been sooo...long since I posted on here...but had to respond. I've been struggling with my PCOS ever since my youngest son was born (he's 4 now)...and for many years..just didn't care. Prior to getting pg with him, met. worked for me. I lost weight, and got pg quickly. I hated the side effects, so quit taking it...and just let me PCOS go wild. Eventually, went back on it (thinking we may ttc again....that's a whole 'nother story)....and it just didn't work the same. So, just recently...I went to my PCP (who is not usually who I deal with in regards to PCOS)...but I was there for something else..and brought up the metformin. (here's the relative part....

She said that the cells of your body get used to metformin and it doesn't work as well. I explained that I had been off of it for several years. She said that doesn't really matter. My body will never respond to it the way it did when I very first started on it. Well, that led me to wonder....if (and when) metformin doesn't work....what are we supposed to do...

...which is why I am back to these boards...looking for answers.

So...to directly respond....it's probable that your body is just used to metformin and it's unable to help you the way it has been.