Does Metformin Help with Fertility?

Metformin, a drug that is commonly used to treat diabetes, is sometimes used to help people get pregnant in combination with other medications, particularly those who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome and show signs of insulin resistance. "By decreasing glucose levels and improving insulin's effect on cell metabolism, reproductive hormones can signal each other better to allow ovulation to resume," said Suzanne Bovone, M.D., an OBGYN at Obstetrics and Gynecology of San Jose, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. Dr. Bovone stressed the importance of meeting the criteria for taking metformin for fertility. She usually starts her patients on a low dose and increases gradually to lessen side effects. "Over a few months, we see if there is weight loss and improvement in ovulation."

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