PCOS/Insulin Resistance, but not trying to get pregnant?

I was diagnosed with PCOS/Insulin Resisitance in Feb of this year after trying to get pregnant for almost 3yrs. Thankfully I got pregnant that same month due to going on the low carb/sugar diet and 1500mg of Metformin...I now have a healthy and beautiful 1 month old daughter.

I'm not trying to get pregnant obviously, but am concerned about the insulin resistance. My OBGYN said I dont need the diet or the Metformin unless I'm trying to get pregnant. But if I have insulin resistance, I was told that it can lead to type 2 diabetes if I dont continue the diet or meds. My dr wont prescribe the Met again until I'm trying to get pregnant. Should I be worried?? Should I be back on the medication??

You really should treat your PCOS even when you are not ttc. You are right. I recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. It doesn't have to be metformin (although really it's the best in most cases), but some sort of insulin sensitizing drug. Stick to a low carb or basic diabetic diet and exercise.

Type 2 diabetes is not the only problem if you let your PCOS go untreated. Women with PCOS have a higher risk of several things: certain kinds of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots, and heart problems. If the PCOS is treated then those risks go down.

I don't intend to scare you, because these things are not an immediate risk and it's OK to not treat your metformin some of the time...but over the long haul...it should be treated.

Here's a great site for general info about PCOS: http://pcos.itgo.com/. I think it's got great overall info about PCOS.

I also recommend visiting http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhp... It's a great message board where you can ask all your PCOS questions. Good luck and Congratulations on your new baby girl!

Thanks for the compliment. I have PCOS and have struggled with differences in info online and through different doctors. Unfortunately, for such a common issue there is little research done on PCOS. I base my info on life experiences, combined with TONS of research about PCOS. Good luck. Report It

You should ask your doctor to send you for regular blood work to monitor your fasting sugar levels. Occasional 2 hour glucose tolerance tests may be helpful as well to screen for mild insulin resistance. This involves a fasting glucose level and then another glucose level after consuming a standardized amount of glucose orally.

If your weight is close to normal and there is no overt evidence of insulin resistance, then you may not need the Metformin yet. Some doctors will keep their PCOS patients on Metformin even if the sugars are normal because the Metformin can help to reduce some of the PCOS symptoms such as excess hair, and it can help to restore ovulation and help to keep weight down.

If you and your doctor do decide to remain on Metformin long term, it is safe to do so.

I have PCOS and I never took Metaformin because I was too bad off.. I never had an insulin resistance either.. Have you had your blood checked ... IF not go and get it checked...

Your very blessed and lucky to have a child with PCOS...

Please go to your regular doctor and see .. Metaformin is just to control the cist not just for insulin it can be used for different things..

Your OB/Gyn is not an endocrinologist, and clearly doesn't understand the benefits to addressing the insulin resistance with Metformin.

Find an endocrinologist who is familiar with PCOS who will help you manage your PCOS.

Good luck to you, and congratulations on your new baby.

Speak to an endocrinologist they will give you the best advise. Pre-diabetes can turn into full blown diabetes adn there may be opther meds that will work for you. good luck and congrats on you new little one!