How Metformin Helps Women with PCOS Manage Symptoms

While symptoms vary, many women with PCOS experience irregular periods, weight gain, acne, unwanted hair growth, and difficulty getting pregnant. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage PCOS—one of which is metformin, a well-known medication often used for diabetes but increasingly recommended for women with PCOS.

At Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, WA, our providers work closely with patients to tailor treatment plans that address the root causes of PCOS—not just the symptoms. Metformin is one such option that offers a range of benefits.

What Is Metformin?

Metformin is an oral medication traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving how the body uses insulin. However, its benefits extend beyond blood sugar control—especially for women with PCOS, many of whom have underlying insulin resistance, a key contributor to the condition.

How Metformin Helps with PCOS

1. Improves Insulin Sensitivity
   Insulin resistance is common in PCOS and causes the body to produce more insulin than needed. This excess insulin can trigger the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), which contributes to many PCOS symptoms. Metformin reduces insulin levels, helping restore hormonal balance.

2. Regulates Menstrual Cycles
   By lowering insulin and androgen levels, metformin can help restart ovulation. Many women notice more regular periods after starting the medication, which also improves fertility.

3. Supports Weight Loss
   Weight gain is a common struggle for women with PCOS. Metformin may help with modest weight loss by decreasing appetite and improving how the body processes carbohydrates. While it’s not a weight-loss drug, it can enhance results when combined with diet and exercise.

4. Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
   Because women with PCOS have a higher lifetime risk of developing diabetes, metformin plays a preventive role by improving blood glucose control early on.

5. Improves Fertility
   For women trying to conceive, metformin can increase the chances of ovulation. It’s sometimes used alongside fertility medications to enhance success rates.

6. May Help with Skin Symptoms
   By lowering androgen levels, metformin may improve acne and reduce excessive hair growth (hirsutism), although results vary from person to person.

Is Metformin Right for You?

Metformin is generally well-tolerated, though some women experience mild side effects like nausea or stomach upset, especially when first starting. Our providers at Complete Healthcare for Women carefully monitor each patient’s response and adjust dosing as needed.

If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS or are struggling with irregular cycles, weight gain, or fertility concerns, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. We’re here to guide you with compassion, evidence-based care, and personalized support.

Complete Healthcare for Women – Obstetrics and Gynecology

Author

Richard Lorenzo, DO Dr. Lorenzo is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG), reflecting his expertise in women’s health. He provides comprehensive gynecological and obstetric services, including prenatal care up to 20 weeks, infertility evaluations, and general gynecology. Dr. Lorenzo specializes in advanced surgical techniques, offering minimally invasive procedures for abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and hysterectomy, ensuring quicker recovery and minimal discomfort for his patients. He is highly trained in high-risk obstetrics and adept at performing minimally invasive hysterectomies, providing women with effective solutions tailored to their needs. At Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, WA, Dr. Lorenzo prioritizes personalized, compassionate care, empowering women to make informed health decisions.