QuestionHi,
I have been recently diagnosed of having the condition of 'lazy ovaries' by my gynae and prescribed Glucophage to stimulate my ovaries (I haven't had any menstruation since August 2006).
After searching on the Internet on Glucophage I came across terms like 'lactic acidosis', 'hypoglycemia', 'diabetes' etc. I am rather confused about this product.
Apart from the normal side-effects mentioned by my gynae (tummy ache, gas and diarrhea) I have no other symptoms, although sometimes I do feel very sleepy and had palpitations on one occasion.
Is this product usually used to 'stimulate lazy ovaries'?. I have gained a lot of weight these past 2 years (around 20 kgs) but otherwise I am perfectly healthy (blood tests negative).
Thank you,
Rosanne Vella
MALTA
AnswerHi Rosanne!
First of all, I apologize for my tardiness. I work a lot of hours, and I don't want to negate the information you want.
Second, what a great question! It is so timely, as Glucophage is used so often for the problem you are having.
A lot of times, women miss multiple periods due to polycystic ovarian disease. There are many follicles, or eggs, that just aren't released. This presents to women with symptoms of loss of menstruation, weight gain, extra hair growth, obesity, irregular bleeding, hyperinsulinemia (basically making you produce more insulin, causing you to gain weight, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides, and hormone imbalances for male and female hormones. In short, it doesn't do your body good.
Glucophage, or metformin, is the main drug of choice to treat this for several reasons. The most important is it increases the cell's sensitivity to insulin. This helps prevent cancers, decreases your blood sugar, thus helping stave off diabetes, and helps you to lose that weight gain. It helps decrease the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines, and it reduces the production of sugar by the liver.
Glucophage helps restore the normal menstrual cycle, improves the chance you can get pregnant (if that is something you are wanting), reduces risks of miscarriage and gestational diabetes (diabetes you develop during pregnancy).
There are some side effects, but most disappear within a week or two. Upset stomach, gas, nausea, diarrhea, feeling of just not feeling well, fatigue. The lactic acidosis is rare (about 3 in 100,000 people), and usually occurs in people with diabetes, kidney problems and liver disease.
I didn't find any evidence to suggest your palpitations are a side effect of Glucophage, but that doesn't mean it wasn't caused.
Any side effects or problems, please let your physician know. Always keep them aware of what is happening with you and your body. Remember, your MD knows you and knows your history, and is best to advise you.
I hope I answered your questions to your satisfaction. If you want to know more, or I didn't help you, please don't hesitate to contact me.
God bless, Rosanne, and best wishes in this journey!
Andrea
