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Use of Metformin for Fertility

Metformin---also known by the brand names Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza and Riomet---is a prescription medication used to regulate type 2 diabetes. Doctors also prescribe metformin to stimulate ovulation and treat polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS is characterized by the presence of many small cysts in the ovaries. These cysts adversely affect ovarian follicle development and alter hormone cycles that regulate egg production. Understanding metformin's efficacy and using the drug properly under your physician's guidance can restore fertility.

  1. Understand How Metformin Works

    • Discuss with your doctor how metformin reduces insulin resistance to normalize the high insulin levels boosting your androgen, as this is disrupting your menstrual cycle. Your doctor will make you aware of what you must do to keep your insulin and blood glucose levels safe during treatment. Develop a course of action with your doctor that includes metformin education and what to do if you have any problems or adverse side effects.

    Metformin Administration

    • Your doctor will prescribe oral dosages of metformin that come either as tablets or a drinkable solution. Ingest the tablets or solution on a strict dosage schedule as directed by your doctor for PCOS and infertility treatment. Extended-release Glucophage allows you to take only one dosage daily. This may be easier to manage. It also minimizes the undesirable side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. Metformin solution is also easier on the gastrointestinal tract. If you miss any metformin dose, take it immediately provided you do so before it is time for your next dose. However, do not double your dose to compensate for missed doses.

    Metformin and Clomiphene Citrate

    • You may need to incorporate clomiphene citrate--also known as Clomid and Serophene--into your metformin fertility treatment regimen. As directed by your physician, take clomiphene citrate at the beginning of your menstrual cycle to reduce estrogen levels. This also increases follicle stimulating hormone. Metformin's androgen-reducing properties then create a dual effect, stimulating ovulation in hopes to restore fertility through proper ovarian function.

    Metformin Side Effect Management

    • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience rare metformin side effects such as a loss of energy, lactic acidosis, rapid shallow breathing, diarrhea, muscle pain, cramps, anxiety, drunken-like behavior, vision impairment, confusion, cold sweats, rapid heartbeat, headache, nightmares and restless sleep. These may be indicative of a serious reaction that may require you to stop using metformin as a fertility treatment.

      Consult your doctor if your milder, more common metformin side effects become persistent or particularly bothersome. These side effects include flatulence, stomachache, vomiting and heartburn. Loss of appetite, weight loss and a metallic taste in the mouth are among other popular side effects. These side effects ultimately may not require medical attention, as they might cease once your body adjusts to the medication.

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