Metformin for PCOS

In my introduction post, I mentioned that I have been diagnosed with poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In short, this is a metabolic/hormone/ovarian disorder that causes irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, inflammation, increased androgens, migraines, weight gain, weight retention, infertility, insulin resistance and cysts on the ovaries which can lead to abdominal pain or pressure. These are just the most common symptoms and some women with PCOS suffer even more symptoms than these listed.
The good news is that there are options! Avoiding foods that contain dairy, gluten, or are high in glycemic index will improve PCOS symptoms. Clean eating and exercising can help suppress many of the symptoms of PCOS, but if it goes untreated, this syndrome can lead to ovarian and uterine cancers, so it is best to seek medical advice. I did seek advice from my doctor, and this is what I got...

There is a prescription drug called metformin that can be used to treat some symptoms of PCOS. This medication is typically used to treat diabetic patients, but thankfully it's been found to help women with this condition as well. So, how does it work?

Metformin decreases the level of androgens in the body, as well as decreasing insulin resistance. Metformin works with your body to utilize insulin making the body run more efficiently. Luckily for me, and for any others struggling with PCOS, there are TONS of places to find information thanks to the internet. I found this diagram that keeps it simple and shows what the medicine does to your body.

I have only been on the medication for a week now, but I will be doing updates every now and then to share how the medicine works for me! Maybe it will help others who may be considering with their doctor the option of Metformin!