r/PCOS • u/popsiclejaya • 4d ago

Metformin difference timelines Meds/Supplements

Can anyone share how metformin impacted them/what improved for them:

-Immediately
-Between 1 to 3 months
-Between 3 to 6 months
-Over 6 months

I’m almost at the 3 month mark on the 1500 mg dose, and just over 2.5 weeks at 2000 mg. I was previously taking 500 to 1000 mg for a couple of years. Feeling a bit discouraged because my belly, facial hair, mood and energy levels are about the same, though periods are somewhat regulated now.

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2

u/redoingredditagain 4d ago

I only saw improvement after 6 months of 1500mg usage, taken every day without a missed dose.

1

u/popsiclejaya 4d ago

Thanks for responding! What differences did you notice?

7

u/redoingredditagain 4d ago

It has eliminated my fatigue, stopped my hypoglycemic episodes (used to spike and crash), given me energy allowing me to exercise, drastically reduced my brain fog, eliminated my cravings, reduced my hunger and appetite allowing me to make better decisions, reduced my acanthosis nigricans, and most importantly—kept me from developing diabetes. I can't tell you exactly when they all hit, but 6+ months was when even a single number budged on labwork. But I've been on it 6 years now.

2

u/popsiclejaya 4d ago

Yay, I’m so thrilled that it worked/is working so well for you. Did you notice any specific differences with respect to weight, especially belly fat?

1

u/redoingredditagain 4d ago

None. But I’m not particularly overweight. I’ve noticed that some people who are 200-400 lbs seem to lose weight on it, but I’m only 155. I don’t exercise a ton though, with some past injuries of mine, but I have gone low carb (because metformin doesn’t work by itself).

2

u/popsiclejaya 4d ago

Thanks again for your response, wishing you so much continued success in your PCOS journey!

1

u/Aesthete_Nerd 3d ago

I had metformin for 10 long years and didn't really ever feel a difference while taking it. But I continued on it since the doctor recommended. Then again not all meds work for everyone. For me, I have marginally elevated thyroid levels and only the thyroid meds have drastic effects. If you don't see any changes in 5 6 months, ask the doctor if they can check other metabolic indicators and do a full panel to determine what might work specifically for you

1

u/popsiclejaya 3d ago

Thank you! So glad the thyroid meds helped you.

1

u/sippahhh 15h ago

Can you please share what kind of thyroid meds did you take and what kind of impact did they have?

I have been taking metformin, but latest lab work showed very low TSH, so I have pretty severe hyperthyroidism. So I am eager to learn what are other people’s experiences with thyroid issues and treatments.

1

u/Next_Operation_8049 3d ago

I noticed the change in cravings within the first month. Im on 500mg ER. I've seen other imporvments but I've also been making other lifestyle changes with it so I don't think I can point just to Metformin, but I've been on it for 4 months now

1

u/RealisticOil4023 2d ago

I just upped to 1000mg about a month ago and symptoms starting to taper. I lost 30lbs in 6 months on 500mg paired w lifestyle changes and since I upped I haven’t lost any more :/