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Does Intake Of Metformin And Inositol Powder Help In Curing PCOS?

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Posted on Wed, 16 Mar 2016
Question: I have a severe case of PCOS and weight 85Kg at 5 feet 4 inches. My gynecologist has prescribed Metformin 500mg SR thrice a day and Jarrow's myoinositol 4mg per day along with moderate exercises. Is this going to help me with weight loss and elimination of ovarian cysts>>
doctor
Answered by Dr. Zenab Tambawala (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it's helpful

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,
Welcome to HCM,

yes metformin iis very beneficial in PCOS, it makes the ovary more responsive and can lead to ovulatary cycles.
This will reverse the hormonal effects caused by the PCOS , weight loss included as metformin is an insulin sensitiser which causes absorption of blood glucose and decreases chances of weight gain.

please continue the exercise vigorously and also follow a strict diet for losing weight.

the inositol is used, but exact amount of benefit is not proven yet, but no harm using it.

diet and exercise are main treatment for PCOS along with the metformin.

hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Zenab Tambawala (27 minutes later)
Did you check my reports? I 'm highly deficient in Vitamin D, B-12 and folic acid?
Nothing for that?

Did you check my reports? I 'm highly deficient in Vitamin D, B-12 and folic acid?
Nothing for that? What about Ca/Mg/Zn, flax seed and Vitamin-c??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Zenab Tambawala (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You have cholesterol issues and vitamin D deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Regarding your reports, yes you have vitamin D deficiency for which you need to take vitamin D 50,000 IU orally once a week for 3 months and then repeat the test.

Your vitamin B12 levels are normal and should not concern you. Your thyroid hormones are also fine.

Testosterone levels are in the higher range as expected in a PCOS patient.

Liver function tests are normal the increased alkaline phosphatase is not significant and should not concern you.

Your lipid profile showing the cholesterol levels is of concern and having high cholesterol and PCOS puts you at risk for heart disease, this makes the healthy diet and exercise all the more necessary. Also at present with these values you do not need anti cholesterol medications.

Your amylase levels and renal function tests are normal. Your electrolyte levels including calcium, phosphorous are all within the normal range.

your blood counts and iron studies are normal.

The raised crp levels are not specific to diagnose anything .

So vitamin D 50,000IU orally once a week and control of cholesterol through diet and exercise are the only ones required.

You can also take 5 mg folic acid once daily if you are planning for a pregnancy in 6 months time.

Flax seed is beneficial for weight loss so i would encourage to take it.

You do not need vitamin C or magnesium or zinc supplements, they would be of no benefit.

Hope this satisfies all your queries, if you need me to explain anything else do let me know.
Regards.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Zenab Tambawala (35 minutes later)
Hi,

One of the doctors told me that my Vitamin B-12 is also low so that too must be supplemented regularly? Can you please suggest a brand and dosage.
In addition, my doctor has asked me to take these medicines:

Since the doctor diagnosed me with a very severe case of PCOS with my weight increasing at an alarming rate, she said I need to take all this for atleast 3-6 months:

Vitamin D (once a week) 60,000IU OD

Jarrow’s myoinositol 750mg veg capsules (3 capsules twice a day) –4g daily

Trazer forte-once a day- It has Chromium 50 mcg Folic Acid 15 mg Inositol 100 mg Manganese 15 mg

Metformin 500mg sustained release thrice a day, before every meal

Meganeuron once a day –since I have weakness and pain in knees

Ca/Mg/Zn tablet once a day-she said this will help my bones and keep me active

Flax seed veg capsule-2 twice a day – for weight loss

Vitamin C once a day –1000mg/day she said this too will help in conceiving

Folic acid tablet- 5mg OD important for conception

CAN YOU PLEASE VERIFY IF ALL THESE MEDICINES CAN BE TAKEN
doctor
Answered by Dr. Zenab Tambawala (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
viatmin B 12 is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,

Your Vitamin B12 is normal 224 ( within the range of 211 -911), there is nothing like lower side of normal range, if it is in the normal range consider it normal.
Moreover vitamin B12 is a fat soluble vitamin and if taken in excess or when not recommended then it can cause problems with the liver. So i would not recommended it to you.

There is no scientific evidence to show that myoinositol actually helps. Some initial studies are published but taking it has not proved very very beneficial, and I advise it with caution that it may probably not work.

Calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C are not required for you. The meganeuron is also not indicated, as the weakness and pain is due to vitamin D deficiency. The recommended dose for vitamin D is 50000 IU per week but 60000 is also ok.

No proof that vitamin c will helps with conception.

Flax seed take it in natural form from a grocery store rather than a capsule.

Diary is a very good source of calcium and citrus fruits for vitamin C.

Only folic acid and metformin and vitamin D tablet are really helpful and indicated in your case.

For every thing else you need to see a dietician who will advise you diet recommended for weight loss and cholesterol control in a women with PCOS.
See a diatician soon.

Hope this helps.
Regards.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Zenab Tambawala

OBGYN

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 837 Questions

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Does Intake Of Metformin And Inositol Powder Help In Curing PCOS?

Brief Answer: Yes it's helpful Detailed Answer: Hi there, Welcome to HCM, yes metformin iis very beneficial in PCOS, it makes the ovary more responsive and can lead to ovulatary cycles. This will reverse the hormonal effects caused by the PCOS , weight loss included as metformin is an insulin sensitiser which causes absorption of blood glucose and decreases chances of weight gain. please continue the exercise vigorously and also follow a strict diet for losing weight. the inositol is used, but exact amount of benefit is not proven yet, but no harm using it. diet and exercise are main treatment for PCOS along with the metformin. hope this helps. Regards