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TTC with PCOS

Hi everyone,

I am totally new to this so bare with me if I don’t use correct abbreviations etc 🤦🏼‍♀️

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 10 years ago at 16 after suffering irregular periods. I am now 26 in a long term relationship with our own house & a stable job. My partner and I are now ready to start a family.

From an early age I have worried about infertility due to my diagnosis of PCOS. I came off the pill June 2018. I had not had a period and so visited my GP in Dec 2018 where I was prescribed medroxyprogesterone to induce a period & also referred back to gynae for tests to confirm my diagnosis of PCOS.

Medroxyprogesterone induced a bleed & I was confirmed to have PCOS (although the only level out on my bloods was Testerone which was elevated marginally). I was advised by the gynae consultant that if I did not have a period in 3 months I was to revisit my GP to be prescribed Metformin.

3 months down the line I revisited my GP for a prescription of Metformin and was advised they were unable to prescribe Metformin!?!? I was advised that I would need to be rereferred to gynae specifically for a prescription for Metformin.

Apologies for the absolute essay guys. I am just completely frustrated. Does anyone know if GPs can prescribe Metformin? As I saw a fairly new GP so am concerned there was lack of experience there. Also, can anyone share success stories? I would love a little faith & hope to read.

Thanks  xo

Replies

  • Hi. I think some GPs won't prescribe metformin for PCOS because it is not the intended use of the drug. It is intended for diabetes.

    So have you been referred to a specialist? When do you see them?
  • I was referred in Jan ‘19 and had all tests (ultrasound, tranvaginal ultrasound etc) and diagnosis of PCOS confirmed - although I was diagnosed 10 years ago too. The specialist advised if I hadn’t had a period in 3 months I was to return to my GP for Metformin to be prescribed. I visited my GP & it was at that point my GP rereferred me to a specialist again in order to be prescribed Metformin. My GP has official correspondence from a specialist advising I am to be prescribed Metformin but is not willing to do so.
  • Metformin used for type 2 diabetes and it is also used for PCOS. It improves insulin sensitivity and helps to normalize the menstrual cycle. It will not affect to the pregnancy. My friend also suffering from PCOS problem and she gave birth to a baby girl. If you take good treatment, you can overcome this problem and get pregnant soon. I hope this will be helpfu
  • Hi, I am similar to yourself in that I am PCOS but all recent tests have come back clear with the exception of testosterone which is borderline. 
    Did you have a fertility referral or a gynaecology referral? I was referred at the beginning of April and today had my 2nd appointment with a private fertility clinic and I was prescribed metformin by the consultant. I know metformin is not licenced for use with PCOS, it is indeed given to diabetics. But it has been shown to help some with insulin resistance. My consultant said I am to take it until I get a positive pregnancy test and then I am to stop. 
    With my GP surgery they are not good at prescribing anything above the norm and will refer you for to a specialist. 
    I hope you get a better referral and somebody who can help you better. The waiting for appointments is the most frustrating part and unfortunately you do have to chase people. 
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