The Metformin Side Effects I Experienced, and Why I Took This Medication

I happen to have a medical condition that wasn't even on the radar screen until fairly recently. Although some people call it metabolic syndrome, it is commonly known as PCOS, or polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Before this condition had a name, I just knew that the women in my family had a tendency to gain weight easily, have high cholesterol, excess fat around the hips and other signs of PCOS. Infertility, another indicator, was something I also went through.

Basically, PCOS is a sign of a hormonal imbalance and once it became well-known and was actually studied and considered a valid condition, I was referred to a specialist. After trying some other options, she put me on a medication called Metformin. I took 500 milligrams, three times a day. Metformin comes in both regular and extended release forms but I took the regular form.

Unfortunately, this is the form which has the highest risk of side effects - and oh, did I have side effects! Metformin's side effects started almost immediately and were pretty severe.

Metformin - side effects

For a list of possible side effects, you can check this page: www.pcos.insulitelabs.com/Metformin-and-PCOS.php but common side effects include diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain and other intestinal issues. My symptoms were so severe I could hardly leave the house, staying primarily in the bathroom. The pain was a cramping sensation, very intense, followed by major attacks of diarrhea. Sorry to be so graphic, but these were the facts.

There was a minor plus side to taking Metformin. I lost weight and my blood sugar levels were stable. That makes sense because Metformin is used to treat diabetes as well. Also, PCOS (my condition) can result in an increased risk of diabetes and is tied to insulin-resistance. Metformin may stabliize insulin levels. My cholesterol went down and my risk of heart disease might have been lower. Supposedly, women with PCOS are at increased risk of heart disease. I keep a close eye on that.

Metformin side effects worsen