Do Metformin’s Side Effects Outweigh Its Benefits?

Pharmaceuticals often present a variety of side effects that may counter their health benefits. For a majority of individuals, determining whether or not these side effects outweigh the benefits plays a large role in deciding whether or not to take the medication in question. Metformin is one of the most common PCOS drugs used to fight Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Improving Insulin Resistance (IR)                                                                                                                                                                        

To understand why this drug works for this condition, it is important to understand its relationship with (IR), which is a leading cause of this disorder. Also known as Glucophage, Metformin manages the amount of insulin produced by the body while improving the sensitivity of the cells to the hormone.1 A leading diabetes medication, it is a popular PCOS medicine because of its ability to overcome and, in some cases, reverse the effects of IR.

Understanding the Risks

Metformin side effects range from mild to severe, and commonly include:1, 2

  • Headache
  • Agitation
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal and muscle pain
  • Dizziness and feeling lightheaded
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abnormal stool
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Increased thirst and sweating
  • Flushing (occurs when the skin, particularly around the face, turns red)
  • Heart palpitations
  • Fever and chills
  • Weakness
  • Nail problems
  • Changes in taste

Additionally, this drug can produce more serious side effects, including:1

  • Allergic reaction
  • Electrolyte disturbances, creating an acidic environment within the body
  • Impaired absorption of vitamin B12
  • Kidney and liver failure
  • Hormonal imbalances

Is It Worth the Risk?

Despite these complications, this drug remains a highly popular treatment option. Although the risks are numerous, it contributes to the maintenance of IR and often results in weight loss, which is important for individuals who have IR. Whether or not this drug is worth the risk associated with it is a question best answered by a healthcare professional.

All medications may cause adverse side effects, and whether these side effects outweigh the benefits of said medication depends upon individual circumstances. It is suggested that women who are considering taking Metformin, or who want to learn more about the drug, should consult with their doctors. Medical histories, individualized care plans, and fertility issues may impact the decision. For many women with PCOS, this pharmaceutical is an important aspect of the healing process; for others, its risk factors far outweigh the benefits it provides.

The other thing a women suffering Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) might do is to look into the Insulite Health supplements that are available. In particular, the PCOS System offers hormone-balancing effects that have been scientifically calibrated to reverse the condition. That means there is very much hope here, and, for women who properly educate themselves and take the precautions necessary to thwart the effects of the disease, no reason why PCOS has to be interpreted as a devastating diagnosis.

Learn more about the subject of Metformin and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and how it could be affecting your ability to get pregnant, visit us on the web at www.pcos.insulitelabs.com.

Insulite Health, a Boulder, Colorado USA based company, is committed to reversing Insulin Resistance – a potentially dangerous imbalance of blood glucose and insulin. Scientific research has revealed that this disorder can be a primary cause of excess weight gain and obesity, plus Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin Resistance can also underlie the cluster of increased risk factors for cardiovascular damage called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) as well as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as heartbreaking female infertility.

Recognizing that there are millions of people who need this kind of systematic approach to reversing insulin resistance, Insulite Health has developed systems to address the underlying causes of Metabolic Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Excess Weight/Obesity, Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

For more information about Insulin Resistance and research links to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed Health, GenBank and more visit us at www.pcos.insulitelabs.com.

1“Metformin Side Effects,” Metformin Side Effects, n.d. <https://metforminsideeffectsinfo.org/> (16 February 2012).

2“Metformin,” About.com, 3 August 2011 <https://pcos.about.com/od/medications/p/Metforminprofil.htm> (16 February 2012).

Next Steps

Becoming victorious over the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not an easy task, but you can overcome your symptoms to live the life you deserve.

It takes strength, courage, and perseverance. It can be challenging and that’s why Insulite Health created the PCOS 5-Element System. It’s a step-by-step process that will help you balance your hormones and reverse PCOS symptoms using our proprietary 5% Solution.

So take the next steps now! Use the links below to learn how to make the changes that will transform your health and your life forever.

  1. Read more about PCOS
  2. Take the PCOS Test and assess your risk!
  3. Learn more about the Insulite 5-Element PCOS Solution

About Insulite Health PCOS.com

Insulite Health, is committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance. Scientific research has revealed that this imbalance can be a primary cause of many devastating health symptoms. Hormone Imbalance can also underlie the increased risk factors for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health, Inc., pcos.com empowers women with PCOS to transform their lives through a process of healing with the 5-Element PCOS System — the world’s only complete solution for helping women heal from the symptoms of PCOS and hormone imbalance.

Share

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

User Reviews

Reply

Your email address will not be published

four − 2 =

Written by Robin Nielsen
Medical Writer & Editor

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

View all post by Robin Nielsen