Metformin: how does this med work and can it really help? Posted: 10-13-06 14:29pm
I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH PCOS AND
RECENTLY GOT PUT ON METFORMIN 850MM 2
TIMES A DAY...I HAVE BEEN TTC FOR 2 YEARS
...HAVE YOU HEARD OF THIS MEDICATION
WORKING AND WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF
GETTING PREGO??? HOW LONG DOE S IT USUALLY
TAKE?? JUST THOUGHT I WOULD ASK SOMEONE
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
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Infertility Answer A1650 Posted: 10-23-06 05:02am
Metformin is a drug used to treating
diabetes mellitus type-2. During type-2
diabetes mellitus, the body has enough
insulin but it is not effective due to a
so called "insulin resistance". In order
to compensate, insulin levels can be
increased. In some way, not well-defined
yet, the excess insulin causes an
increased production of androgenic (male)
hormones in the ovaries. Increased level
sof androgenic hormones can then disturb
the axis hypothalamus-pituitary
gland-ovaries. The final result is
stimulation of many ovarian follicles
(polycystic ovaries). Only a few (or
none at all) become full grown enough to
ovulate and become fertilized. Without
ovulation (or rare ovulations), conception
is very difficult or impossible.
Metformin treats the body's insulin
resistance and can help to establish
ovulation. Metformin can be also combined
with some other drugs like anti-estrogens
(Clomifen) and gonadostimulators (FSH and
LH) for this effect. This therapy needs
longer periods of time to take effect
(6-12 months). “In vitro”
fertilization can be also used for
achieving pregnancy. If medications
don’t help, laparoscopic surgery is
indicated (ovarian drilling).
Decreasing the body weight can also
contribute for treating the insulin
resistance.
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