QuestionI have PCOS and had had a few erratic periods prior to being put onto metformin in August, fortunately, last two periods were 27/28 days; BUT most recent is now 31 days -- I have had late ovulation in the past (conceived at day 20 post period, but had a miscarriage at 10 weeks). both my husband and a co-worker are commenting by my stance ' are you pregnant?', have lost over 40 pounds since miscarriage by healthy eating and gentle exercise, so breasts are bigger and my stomach is bigger, but the scales only show a 1-2 lb gain. Am afraid of taking pregnancy test, but have scheduled to see a consultant gyn in early January -- my question is: if metformin has regulated my periods (my bloods are now normal at 5.2), can I have a delayed period and NOT be pregnant on metformin?
AnswerHello Pamela,
If metformin has lead to regular menstrual cycles, which indicates that ovulation is occurring spontaneously, then you have a chance of conceiving naturally. To calculate your ovulation, you would count back from the cycle day of the first day of your period. Therefore, if your cycle is 28 days, then ovulation occurred on day #14. The luteal phase of the cycle is very exact, so you would NOT have a late ovulation in a regular cycle.
However, if your period is delayed, you certainly may be or may not be pregnant. You'll need to do a pregnancy test to determine this. However, with a history of irregular cycles in the past, you certainly can return to irregularity even with metformin.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
