 Metformin
(Glucophage) is a pharmaceutical drug often prescribed for women
with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It is an
insulin-sensitizing biguanide commonly used to treat elevated
blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes and often employed as an off-label prescription for PCOS. This means that
it was originally used only for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
but is now prescribed for PCOS patients because it has similar
actions in both groups.
Many women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are insulin resistant. With this condition,
the ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in
transporting glucose (sugar) from the blood stream into muscle
and tissue is greatly diminished. Metformin improves the cell’s
response to insulin, and helps move glucose into the cell. As a
result, your body will not be required to make as much insulin
(1). PCOS and Metformin Studies
PCOS and it’s symptoms of hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism,
alopecia), reproductive disorders (irregular menses, anovulation,
infertility, polycystic ovaries), and metabolic disturbances
(weight gain) have been linked to hyperinsulinemia and Insulin
Resistance (2). Therefore, it makes sense to address the
hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance caused by this
condition.
Studies have reported the treatment of Metformin to improve
hirsutism, induce ovulation and normalize menstrual cycles (1).
For example, according to one study, which looked at 39 women
with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin in the blood),
treatment with Metformin for women with PCOS resulted in a
decline of insulin as well as total and free testosterone,
leading to significant improvement of clinical manifestations of
Hyperandrogenism (the excessive production of androgens in
women) and an improvement in menstrual cycles (3). However,
studies have also shown weight loss through exercise and changes
in diet and lifestyle alone to be as effective in regulating
menstrual cycles and showing improvement in hyperandrogenism (4,
5).
Metformin – Side Effects
Many women prescribed Metformin must discontinue its use due to
the gastrointestinal side effects. The most commonly reported
adverse effects include diarrhea, gas and bloating, abdominal
discomfort, nausea, and vomiting (1, 6). Another consideration
of Metformin therapy is its effect on B12 absorption. Ten - 30%
of people receiving long term Metformin therapy develop B12
malabsorption, which could potentially lead to anemia.
It has also been shown that treatment with Metformin may
increase homocysteine levels (amino acids found in the blood),
which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis or fatty deposits in
blood vessels (7).
The contraindications in using Metformin include liver failure,
alcoholism, compromised renal function, hypoxic conditions and
moderate to severe infections. These conditions predispose women
to having lactic acidosis, which is a life-threatening
complication and carries a mortality rate of 30% - 50% (1).
A Complete System for Reversing PCOS
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Insulite Laboratories’ view on the pharmaceutical treatment of
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – including Metformin - is that there is no one drug on the
market that will change your condition. The only way to reverse
the disorder is to reduce elevations in insulin which directly
affect testosterone and other hormonal changes that are
responsible for causing PCOS. Metformin can impact weight loss,
infertility, acne and other PCOS-related symptoms however, the
results are variable. There are also many negative side effects
with the treatment of Metformin that can impact your health.
To address the cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Insulin Resistance, the
Insulite PCOS System has several elements. The PCOS + formula is
designed to reduce circulating testosterone, increase sex
hormone binding globulin and support liver function and hormone
metabolism. The other elements are designed to reduce insulin
secretion, reverse damage to the cardiovascular system due to
imbalances in glucose and insulin and prevent insulin and
glucose spiking during mealtimes. Nutritional and exercise
guidelines are provided along with a support network to enhance
weight loss success as this is a critical step in reversing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
The Insulite PCOS System has been designed specifically with the
PCOS user in mind. Because the genesis of most ovarian cysts is
affected by insulin, the Insulite PCOS System is an important
strategy for reducing not only the condition but also Insulin Resistant, a root
cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
You may be interested in some of our Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) on infertility.
(1)
Metformin: an update - Kirpichnikov D, McFarlane SI, Sowers JR.
Ann Intern Med. 2002 Jul 2;137(1):25-33. Review.
(2) Metformin treatment of PCOS during
adolescence and the reproductive period - La Marca A, Artensio AC, Stabile G, Volpe A.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2005 Jul 1;121(1):3-7
(3)
) Metformin therapy decreases hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Kolodziejczyk B, Duleba AJ, Spaczynski RZ, Pawelczyk L., Fertil Steril. 2000 Jun;73(6):1149-54
.
(4) Combined lifestyle modification
and metformin in obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
A randomized, placebo-
controlled, double-blind multicentre study - Tang T, Glanville J, Hayden CJ, White D, Barth JH, Balen AH.,
Hum Reprod. 2005 Sep 30
(5)
Should patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome be treated with metformin? A
note of cautious optimism
- Homburg R.,
Hum Reprod. 2002 Apr;17(4):853-6. Review
(6)
Metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic review
and meta-analysis
- Lord JM, Flight IH, Norman RJ., BMJ. 2003 Oct 25;327(7421):951-3. Review
(7) Homocysteine and steroids levels in
metformin treated women with polycystic ovary syndrome
- Vrbikova J, Bicikova M, Tallova J, Hill M, Starka L.,
Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2002 Apr;110(2):74-6
Click here to read
about PCOS and Lesbians
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