Posted by Ellen Bender on June 27, 19100 at 08:49:14:
In Reply to: MD.question...Where to from here? posted by Gayle on June 23, 19100 at 07:01:39:
Gayle: I'm not a doctor and I suggest that you repost your question for one of the doctors who help to moderate this board. I am a little uncomfortable with the idea that you are being treated by a GP who, from your post, appears not to be doing his own research about your condition or the drugs he is prescribing. There are enough studies involving metformin published in the medical literature that he should be able to access them on line. In terms of birth control pills, yes, they should help with symptoms but not the underlying disorder. Certain birth control pills (including, I believe, Dianne 35 which as far as I know is available in the UK but not in this country)are anti-androgenic and can help with the acne and hair as well as regulating your menstrual cycle. Other doctors prescribe ortho tricyclin for that reason. If you are not trying to get pregnant and don't smoke or have a high risk for blood clots or stroke (possible contraindications for oral contraceptives, then it might be beneficial. As far as the Met goes, your doctor will probably want to start you on the lowest dose to see how you are dealing with it in terms of gastrointestinal discomfort. Dr. Stein or Spandorfer might be able to give you more information about dosages, but again, I would want your doctor to be reading up on this independently. Ellen Bender