Do Metformin’s Side Effects Outweigh Its Benefits?

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 it’s 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.


Next Steps

  1. Take the PCOS Quiz!  Get your score and assess your hormone health risks.
  2. Join our Facebook Sisterhood Group Pose your questions to this group of like-minded women. Get the answers to your questions and the support you need.
  3. Checkout the Hormone Reset. Guided Practices to eliminate anxiety, lose weight and boost energy.

We are committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance – a major cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health empowers women with hormone imbalance to transform their lives through a process of healing with the Natural Hormone Solution  –a complete solution for helping women reverse the symptoms hormone imbalance..