PCOS

I think exploring the connection between diet and exercise and how it affects you and PCOS is the key to finding a manageable solution. I have found the Glycemic index to be the best place to start. Once you understand how food affects your blood glucose levels, you can work at finding out how to balance what you eat and your activity level to help manage its effects on your body. If you’re overweight weight loss is important to regaining control over BG levels as well as the real possibility that it may increase your fertility level or even restore it. Once you regain control it simply becomes a life style that you become mindful of, understanding that this is what your body needs to stay healthy.

Womyn with PCOS usually have problems using insulin. If they are not already diabetic they may well be in the early stages of diabetes, showing signs of impaired glucose which will eventual be the cause of too much insulin is in the body. Too much insulin increases the production of male hormones beyond what normal levels would be in non PCOS womyn. I think it’s really important to understand the importance of early intervention in regards to diet and exercise vs. drug therapy. Its not just about dropping weight and a return of periods, its a life time commitment in order to assure your best chance at keeping risk factors associated with PCOS like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer low.

I think it’s very important for womyn of childbearing age to weigh the pros and cons to beginning and staying on a long term treatment like metformin. The long term effects noted for type 2 Diabetic patients are not safe when it comes to attaining and managing pregnancy. It is very important to make sure your b12 levels are in check long before getting pregnant while on metformin. Folic Acid supplementation is well noted in regards to pregnancy for all womyn who expect to become pregnant. Knowing the risks associated with metformin is key to making sure your body is prepared for conception and pregnancy.


Medscape Today
Metformin Use Increases Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients With Diabetes

Studies have demonstrated a prevalence of vitamin B12 malabsorption among patients undergoing long-term metformin treatment. The aim of the current study is to identify risk factors for metformin-related vitamin B12 deficiency.

Metformin treatment for PCOS has not been approved by the FDA. It's not intended for this purpose and no studies as to its long term effects and safety have been done when used outside of treating type 2 diabetes. Metaformin can cause vitamin B12 malabsorption, which can contribute to your risk of cardiovascular disease. Womyn who have PCOS tend to have pre-existing elevated homocysteine levels, metformin has been shown to elevate homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with coronary artery disease, heart attack, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, cognitive impairment, and cervical cancer. Elevate homocysteine levels during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia.

"High maternal homocysteine levels in the bloodstream increase the chance of miscarriage, and of serious pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and placental abruption. Such conditions can result in premature birth of the baby, low birth weight and, sadly, even the death of the baby or mother." Wiley- Interactice concepts in Biochemisty

Wiley InterScience

Effects of short-term treatment with metformin on serum concentrations of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Results. Amongst those who completed 16 weeks of treatment, metformin use, as compared with placebo, was associated with an increase in homocysteine of 4% (0.2 to 8; P = 0.039) and with decreases in folate [−7% (−1.4 to −13); P = 0.024] and vitamin B12 [−14% (−4.2 to −24); P <>
The Medical Journal of Australia

Metformin and intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome

Given the present lack of long-term safety data and demonstrable efficacy in a large number of patients, we recommend that metformin use be supervised by an endocrinologist or physician with expertise in the area. Ideally, further research should be encouraged so that outcomes can be scrutinised and regulatory issues can be carefully addressed.

I’ve used Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) also known as Chasteberry. It take about three months to start working but IMO well worth the wait with great results.

"The beauty of our next plant is that instead of adding hormones to the body, it encourages the body to achieve its own natural hormonal balance."

This herb’s power is said to be due to its ability to regulate the action of the pituitary gland. By normalizing the hormones that are produced in the pituitary gland, it effectively treats all sorts of menstrual problems. Irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, premenstrual tension (PMS), menopause, and irregularities resulting from coming off the birth-control pill are all sorted out with the use of chasteberry. It has been proven that chasteberry has the ability to balance the estrogen-progesterone levels necessary for what might be called average menstruation.

Practitioners’ Advice

When hormone imbalance is wrecking havoc with your life, be it in the form of mood swings, acne, or irregular periods, Chasteberry is the first herbal port of call. Practitioners agree that most cases of hormone irregularity are cleared up with its use. It works and it works well.
~ Planet Botanic