Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
I was sent to a specialist after a "dark" mass was found in my uterus from an ultrasound. It turned out to be something that many people have, but just never know or realize that they have it or that it's there (can't remember the clinical name right now). Regardless, this specialist has diagnosed me with PCOS in which the specialist verbally said to me that insulin resistance is the heart of this issue (in my case). She went on to say that, because my LH level is almost 3 times that of my FSH level, I have PCOS and hence extremely high insulin and blood sugar levels; she prescribed Metformin to me and advised me to start taking it immediately. I booked a follow up appointment in 6 months.
Before I begin taking this drug, which I understand can be quite 'hard' on your stomach, I wanted to know specifically WHAT my insulin and blood sugar levels are (as in, what is the actual value). I visited my GP for a glucose test (2-hour drink) and she confirmed a few days later that it seems "I do not have diabetes." I was not specifically being tested for diabetes but I wonder if this is her way of simply saying that my blood sugar levels are normal. I have not started taking Metformin yet as I am confused as ever!
My questions are:
Is it possible to be insulin resistant and have normal blood sugar levels?
Although my ratio of LH to FSH is being used to diagnose for PCOS, should I still take Metformin even though I have not been tested for my insulin levels?
Some background:
- I have never had regular occurrences of my period (I might have 4 - 6 periods annually).
- I am not overweight and I exercise regularly.
- I was diagnosed with Endometriosis about 8 years ago (I have had laproscopy to remove cysts).
- I have 90% of the symptoms of PCOS (oily skin, acne, thinning hair but not that significant, loss of appetite, fatigued, mild to severe headaches, poor digestion, inability to lose any weight at all-even 1 - 5 pounds).
Thank you for your help.
Recent Posts
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
Hi Anon,
Thanks for posting!
Your doctor may prescribe metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR), an oral medication for type 2 diabetes that lowers insulin levels even if you do not have Diabetes. This drug improves ovulation and leads to regular menstrual cycles. Metformin also slows the progression to type 2 diabetes if you already have prediabetes and aids in weight loss if you also follow a diet and an exercise program.
If you do not have Diabetes, then you are not insulin-resistant.
It is up to you whether you decide whether or not you want to give Metformin a try.
Good Luck,
Rosa
October 31, 2011 - 5:29amThis Comment