Metformin and PCOS Health Benefits and Side Effects

The majority of people who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is associated with:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• High cholesterol and triglycerides (dyslipidemia)
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Insulin resistance is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The mechanism by which insulin resistance gives rise to oligomenorrhea and hyperandrogenemia, however, is unclear.

Metformin is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating PCOS, but since many people with PCOS also have insulin resistance, your doctor might monitor you for insulin resistance and prescribe Metrofim for you if you have early signs.

How Metformin Works

Metformin is one of the oldest and most-studied drugs available in the United States.

It is also known by the following brand names:

• Glucophage
• Glucophage XR
• Glumetza
• Fortamet
• Riomet

Although usually used to treat type 2 diabetes, metformin can also help relieve insulin resistance in PCOS. It works by improving insulin sensitivity, which decreases glucose production in your body and increases peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. This enables the cells of the body to absorb and use the glucose that's already available in your body.

Metformin has been studied in children as young as 8 years old who are diagnosed with PCOS or who have symptoms of the condition. The drug can be safely administered at a dosage ranging from 500 milligrams (mg) to 2550 mg daily.

Health Benefits 

In addition to controlling blood glucose levels, metformin may provide many other health benefits for people who have PCOS. Metformin can help lower LDL cholesterol and blood fat levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

PCOS often causes problems with ovulation and irregular menstrual cycles, making it difficult to conceive. Metformin can stimulate ovulation and regulate menstruation, increasing your chances of getting pregnant.

Studies show pregnancy rates in PCOS are significantly higher in those taking metformin than in those who aren't.

PCOS comes with an elevated risk of miscarriage, and metformin may lower that risk. It can also prevent and help treat diabetes that develops during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), which is common with PCOS.

This medication may also delay or prevent full-blown diabetes from developing in people with PCOS who are overweight.

Possible Side Effects

Overall, most people can tolerate metformin. Although metformin can cause side effects, many are mild and occur when first starting to take it.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Some of the most common side effects of metformin include:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea

Slowly increasing your metformin dose over several weeks can help you avoid these issues. If you have ongoing digestive issues, your healthcare provider may switch you to the extended-release version of metformin, which is gentler on the digestive system and better tolerated.

Metformin should be taken with food to minimize side effects. However, you should avoid eating sugary and processed foods, as they can worsen the digestive side effects of the medication.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Long-term use and high doses of metformin increase the likelihood of vitamin B12 deficiency. A lack of vitamin B12 can cause mood changes, memory loss, and damage to the nervous system.

While taking this drug, you should supplement your diet with vitamin B12 and have your levels checked annually. Optimal ranges of vitamin B12 should be >450 picograms/milliliter. Elevated serum homocysteine and urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels, the gold standard in assessing B12 status, also indicate a B12 deficiency.

Lactic Acidosis

The most serious side effect of metformin is lactic acidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the blood. This can occur if too much metformin accumulates in the blood due to overdose or chronic or acute kidney problems.

If you have serious kidney problems, you shouldn't take metformin. Drinking alcohol while on metformin, and especially binge drinking, can increase your risk of lactic acidosis.

Some medications can also increase the risk, including:

• Diamox (acetazolamide)
• Keveyis (dichlorphenamide)
• Methazolamide
• Topamax, Qsymia (topiramate)
• Zonegran (zonisamide)

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness

You can prevent lactic acidosis by:

• Letting your healthcare provider and pharmacist know about all drugs you're taking so they can watch for potential interactions
• Avoiding alcohol while taking metformin
• Taking only the amount prescribed by your healthcare provider

If you develop symptoms of lactic acidosis, get medical attention right away.

Natural Alternatives

There is no natural substitute for metformin. However, there are natural ways to improve your insulin sensitivity in other ways. The most important things are eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity.

N-acetyl cysteine is an antioxidant that was shown in one randomized controlled trial to work as well as metformin for reducing insulin resistance and cholesterol in people with PCOS. Myo-inositol was found to restore ovulation, resulting in more pregnancies than metformin. Myo-inositol has also been shown to improve insulin and other metabolic aspects of PCOS.