Can you take metformin on your period? (+3 studies)

In this article, we will share if you can take metformin on your period or not. We will also share its effects on periods and benefits for periods according to studies and discuss how it improves menstrual health and irregularities. 

Can you take metformin on your period?

Yes, you can take metformin on your period. You might be prescribed metformin if you have diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or both. Metformin is used often to treat irregularities in the menstrual cycle caused by PCOS (1).

Metformin is a type of antidiabetic medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes because it can reduce sugar levels in the blood. It is also used in the management of PCOS and irregular periods due to the effect it has on insulin.

The effect metformin has on both conditions is the reason which makes it a great choice for regulating missed periods due to imbalance caused by diabetes or PCOS (2).

How does metformin affect your periods?

Metformin affects your periods as it addresses the issues that can lead to menstrual irregularities such as PCOS. Thus it helps you to maintain the regularity of your periods. 

PCOS is a condition that affects women who are at the age of childbearing and is a serious clinical diagnosis. It is an endocrine disorder that presents with symptoms like high levels of androgens, polycystic ovaries, and irregular periods (3).

PCOS occurs as a result of the development of insulin resistance in the body where your body doesn’t respond normally to insulin compelling the pancreas to release more insulin. Elevated insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to release androgens. 

Women who develop PCOS are also at a high risk of diabetes because severe insulin resistance leads to type 2 diabetes. If PCOS is not treated it can lead to infertility, gestational diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, and anxiety (2). 

Metformin works by enhancing the sensitivity towards insulin, thereby decreasing circulating insulin and glucose. This ultimately results in stimulating ovulation and leads to regular periods (2).

What does research suggest?

Several studies have shown the usefulness of metformin in treating menstrual irregularities in women who are obese, diabetic, or have PCOS. In one study, women with irregular periods due to PCOS were treated with metformin (4). 

During the 4-6 months of treatment, metformin was taken daily and found clinically useful in regulating menstrual disturbances in women with PCOS (4).

Another study researched the long-term effects of using metformin in women with PCOS. In this trial, participants were given metformin daily for 24 months. They included both overweight and normal-weight participants (5). 

It was seen that both kinds of women benefitted from the treatment and were advised to take metformin on their period. The outcome measured showed an increased frequency of menses as well as decreased body mass index (BMI) (5).

In a clinical trial carried out on women who were near infertility or had an extreme case of missed periods, metformin helped restore the menstrual cycle with 95.7% efficacy (6).

Hence, taking metformin during your period is going to be beneficial for you whether you take it for diabetes or PCOS. 

What will happen if you skip metformin during your periods?

If you have blood sugar within the normal range and have been adhering to a good lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise, missing a dose is not going to be a problem. 

You are advised to take it as soon as possible before there is a fluctuation in the blood sugar levels. However, if a few hours have passed and it’s almost time for the next dose, just take the next one. Don’t double the dose. 

Missing several doses or not keeping a healthy lifestyle will end up being a cause of concern and disrupt the balance of your menstrual cycle.

You should listen to your doctor about the recommendations for modifications in your lifestyle and eating habits so you do not develop hyperglycemia. 

Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

• tiredness
• blurred vision
• frequent urination
• sores that will not heal 
• excessive thirst

Generally, glucose levels higher than 180mg/L after 2 hours of eating, or 130 mg/dL before a meal are considered high, and you should consider contacting your doctor in case you notice any of the above symptoms during your period.

How to take metformin during periods? 

 In my experience:

As per my understanding, metformin can be taken in periods regularly. It shows a lot of benefits by decreasing androgen production and increasing insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.

In this way, it has a combination effect on the hormonal state and helps bring it back to the normal state. It also helps to keep the patient fertile, as studies show that women can restore their regular periods with the use of metformin.

Missing a dose accidentally is not a cause of concern if you have a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, however, you are advised to take all doses on time. Metformin should be taken regularly whether you are on your period or not. 

In case of skipping a dose, just remember to take the next one or adjust according to the hours that have passed and the dosage form you are using.

References