First Month on Metformin Late Period

Metformin medication has improved the menstrual cycle in several observational studies. Metformin’s task is to help ladies with their PCOS and keep their hormone levels balanced.

Are you intrigued to know the causes behind the first month on Metformin period?

Metformin is not solely responsible for delaying periods. Your lifestyle, eating habits, underlying diseases, and diet plan can cause the period to come late. Metformin increases your chances to conceive so it can be another reason for your late period.

You are at the right place to get an in-depth idea about this drug’s role in your monthly cycle. Let’s explore together how a medicine known to treat type 2 diabetics helps you with your periods and the potential pros and cons of this drug.

First Month on Metformin Late Period

An oral drug called metformin is frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes, a chronic illness marked by elevated blood sugar levels. It belongs to the biguanides subclass of medications. It functions by lowering the amount of glucose the liver produces and enhancing the body’s reaction to insulin,

Metformin increases muscle cells’ sensitivity to insulin. It enables muscle cells to absorb more glucose from the circulation and lowers blood sugar levels.

Additionally, it lessens the amount of glucose produced in the liver and absorbed from the intestines. This way, it ensures better blood sugar regulation.

But what is the connection between a diabetic drug and a late period? Well, this drug can assist women with PCOS in controlling their menstrual cycles. Menstruation may become irregular or completely cease in PCOS patients because their bodies produce more male hormones.

However, metformin therapy can reduce insulin and blood sugar levels in PCOS women, promoting ovulation and regular monthly periods. In some cases, ladies who were taking this drug noticed a slight delay in their periods.

Many women who have struggled to conceive because of Pcos have found success with metformin. Fertyl promotes ovulation. In case of such a delay, you can go for a pregnancy test to rule out this possibility.

The following are some probable causes of missed menstruation in the first month of metformin use:

• In PCOS patients, metformin can help control hormone levels, albeit this change may initially cause irregular periods until they return to normal.
• Stress, habit changes, and other lifestyle variables can influence menstrual periods and metformin intake.
• Underlying health conditions can contribute to menstruation changes.

Read: Irregular Periods After Steroid Injections

Can You Take Metformin During the Period?

Metformin is a drug that is safe to take during periods. Menstrual periods were significantly improved when metformin was administered in combination with other pharmaceuticals. Menstrual abnormalities encountered by individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome can be effectively treated with metformin monotherapy.

So, we can say that this drug can ease period pain instead of causing any adverse effects. However, there are some incidents where people experience stomach pain after taking this medicine. But their condition improved when they started taking this drug after their meal.

How Long Does It Take for Metformin to Start Your Period?

The trial, one of few to look at the effects of metformin over the long term, was administered daily for two years. Still, researchers discovered that most of the benefits started to show up after six months, with over 40% of patients experiencing regular menstruation by then.

Other studies done on a group of women showed similar results. Metformin did not immediately improve ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries. A month or so after taking metformin, there was some benefit. The medication’s reproductive benefits are more noticeable when a woman takes metformin for at least 60 to 90 days.

Why Do Diabetics Have Late Periods?

Dr Emily Jungheim, a board member of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, said that menstrual cycles, like maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels, result from a complex chain of hormone signals.

People who have diabetes are more likely to experience unexpected or irregular menstrual periods. The majority of women, whether they have diabetes or not, have monthly cycles last two to seven days and happen every 21 to 35 days. Having said that, every woman’s period is unique, and cycles can occasionally be unpredictable.

Diabetes type 2 patients have a higher chance of anovulation. This happens when an ovary fails to deliver an egg into the fallopian tube. Because of this, a person won’t get their period. Although persons with diabetes are more likely to develop anovulation, not everyone with diabetes will.

Type 1 diabetes doesn’t affect the menstrual cycle. The person shouldn’t have any delays in the onset of menstruation as long as they are not underweight and can effectively control their type 1 diabetes.

The hormonal changes that take place throughout the menstrual cycle can also have an impact on a person’s diabetes. Changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle can have an impact on blood sugar and insulin levels.

The luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which begins after ovulation, is the second half of the cycle. The level of the hormone progesterone rises during this time. Progesterone can temporarily increase insulin resistance, which medical experts refer to as luteal phase insulin resistance.

Related Post: IUD Strings Longer During Period

Can Diabetes Medicine Delay Your Period?

High insulin levels can interfere with hormones that control menstruation, resulting in skipped or irregular periods. There may also be instances of anovulation in which the individual doesn’t ovulate.

An irregular menstrual cycle is also related to insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. The mechanism of insulin action on the ovaries results in hyperinsulinemia, which stimulates the synthesis of too much testosterone, disrupting the menstrual cycle and lowering fertility rates.

Due to the usage of specific medicines, some diabetics may suffer weight changes. Hormone levels may be impacted by significant weight loss or growth, which might result in irregular menstruation.

Why Should You Take Metformin And Why Not?

Metformin has mostly pros along with some cons. Here you can have a look at the table demonstrating the pros and cons of Metformin.

How to Manage Metformin Side Effects

Like any other drug, metformin can cause some side effects. Contact your doctor and share your details if you face any troublesome side effects. 

Here I’m pointing out some ways to be observant and tackle these side effects:

Begin with A Low Dose

Your doctor may first recommend a low dose of metformin and gradually raise it over time if you start therapy. This can lessen adverse effects and help your body adapt to the medicine.

Take It with Or After Food

Metformin might lessen gastrointestinal adverse effects, including nausea and stomach pain if taken with food or just after a meal. This enables the drug to be transported and absorbed in the body more effectively.

Drink More Fluid

You can reduce constipation caused by metformin by drinking an adequate amount of water throughout your day. Drinking water will keep you hydrated and remove dizziness too.

Implement A Healthy Diet Plan

People taking metformin need to have a healthy diet chart and consume lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich meals. At the same time, limit your intake of foods that are heavy in sugar or carbohydrates.

Active Lifestyle

Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, control your insulin sensitivity, and get more benefits from metformin. You can utilize your free time by getting involved in exercise or other enjoyable physical activities.

Keep An Eye on Your B12 Levels

For those on metformin long-term, it’s crucial to check their vitamin B12 levels regularly. Your doctor can advise B12 supplementation to avoid issues if a deficit is found.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How Does Metformin Affect Female Hormones?

It has been demonstrated that metformin lowers androgen levels in PCOS-afflicted women. Acne, hirsutism, and irregular menstrual periods are a few signs of elevated testosterone levels. Metformin can assist in alleviating these symptoms and encouraging more regular ovulation by lowering testosterone levels.

• How Long to Take Metformin for PCOS?

The usage of Metformin is not time-limited in any way. But if you haven’t seen any advantages after six months, you could talk about stopping the medication with your doctor.

• What Happens If You Stop Taking Metformin?

Your health might suffer if you abruptly stop using metformin. You could encounter negative consequences, including raised A1c, elevated blood glucose, and even weight gain. Higher blood sugar levels over time might cause the effects of diabetes, such as retinopathy and blindness.

• Is Metformin Period Delaying?

No, taking Metformin won’t make your period later. If you are on Metformin for PCOS, the PCOS may be to blame for the delayed period. Metformin can help increase insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance. In women with PCOS, it could support more regular menstrual cycles and assist control of ovulation.

• Can Stopping Metformin Stop Your Period?

Menstrual cycles are not commonly known to be immediately stopped or affected by suddenly stopping metformin. According to NIH, withdrawal of metformin can reduce menstruation frequency.

• Is Metformin Safe During Pregnancy? 

NIH says metformin is typically well tolerated during pregnancy and does not raise congenital defects. Serious side effects are quite uncommon. If glucose objectives are not achieved with dietary changes in GDM, metformin is currently the drug of choice since, compared to insulin, it lowers maternal weight gain.

Bottom Line

Though Metformin is used to treat diabetic type 2, it has efficiently treated PCOS and helped ladies to get regular periods. If it is your first month on Metformin late period is something making you worried, then be assured it is a normal event. This drug is wont cause any harm to your menstruation cycle. 

However, if you are facing other side effects, then you can take the doctor’s advice and act accordingly. Metformin can take weeks or months before you notice changes in your hormonal balance and menstruation cycle. So, patience is the key while you are taking Metformin.