How to Treat PCOS With Metformin
Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS) is a disease or condition found in women of the reproductive age. In this condition the woman’s ovaries produce more eggs than required. It is characterized by an imbalance of female hormones due to the presence of many small fluid filled sacs in the ovary called cysts. The visible and apparent symptoms include changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, excessive hair growth, male pattern baldness, and weight gain.
PCOS is the main factor behind many women not able to get pregnant. So if you are having trouble getting pregnant and experiencing any or some of the above symptoms, it is likely that you are suffering from PCOS. However you need not worry as now with the advancement of modern medicine you can treat this condition and claim your fertility. Metformin used for type 2 diabetes treatment has been found to be helpful in this condition as well.
Metformin is a powerful drug known to reduce blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes treatment. Metformin also known as Glucophage is the drug of first choice among doctors for type 2 diabetes treatment involving overweight and obese people and also those with normal kidney function.
As an oral anti-diabetic drug Metformin reduces blood sugar levels by controlling the amount of glucose produced by the liver and also by metabolizing the sugar present in the liver and blood. Thus Metformin makes it easier for the body to utilize the low levels of sugar present in the blood in an efficient and effective manner.
It has been observed that most women with PCOS have hyperinsulinemia which leads to excess androgen production by the ovaries and increased production of LH by the pituitary. The body tries to compensate for insulin resistance by producing more insulin.
This in turn leads to irregular ovulation, menstruation, increased body hair, numerous small ovarian cysts, and an increase in body weight especially around the stomach and waist. Moreover PCOS increases the chances of getting type 2 diabetes in a woman.
PCOS women have also been found to have cardiovascular risk factors as similar to people with metabolic syndrome. This wonderful diabetes treatment drug or metformin thus by increasing the sensitivity of the cells to insulin reduces blood sugar levels which in turn reduce the androgen production in the body, thereby making the ovulation to return after a few months of regular or consistent use.
Metformin thus by restoring the normal menstrual cycle and ovulation can help women with PCOS treat their infertility and become pregnant. The recommended dose is 500mg three times with meals per day.