Expert: Scott Roseff, MD, FACOG - 9/28/2006

Question
I have endometriosis as well as PCOS, and have been taking metformin 500mg 1/day for 8 days. My periods are about once every 135 days. I am attempting to conceive. How long will it take before I start menstrating? What happens to the body after stopping metformin? Do I need to gradually come off of it?
Thank you for your time.
Morgan

Answer
Hi Morgan,

It varies, but can take from 3-6 months for metformin (at the proper dosage) to induce ovulation.  If someone ovulates and conceives before she gets her first period, she may not even get a period (if she's pregnant).  Some women don't end up ovulating or getting a period on metformin.  Make sure your doctor monitors you appropriately....

Metformin isn't tapered - it's just stopped when the time is right.  Talk to your doctor about this.

Due to your history of multiple existing issues (endo and PCOS), consider seeing a board certified repoductive endocrinologist!

Good luck,
Dr. Roseff - PERSONALIZED/Individualized Successful care by a Board Certified Reproductive Medicine specialist in a warm and caring setting....  Visit us in Wellington, Florida!
www.reproendo.com/pcos.htm
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