The truth behind Metformin and IVF

Written in January 2013.....

Ugh. Although "ugh" isn't likely considered a complete sentence on it's own, it is my current physical and mental state, so I am allowing it.  If only just this once.

At the beginning of this year my sweet husband and I started the journey and process to IVF #2.   And, just like it went the first time around, the process starts with a cycle.  Followed that day or soon there after with birth control and metformin.  (I realize there are those who do not follow this exact regiment for IVF....so our protocols may be a little off). 

Metformin.  Ahh, metformin.  I hate this drug with a passion.  Because of this drug I still cannot even smell greek yogurt with out feeling like I want to vomit.  I couldn't even look at chicken for the first 6 months of my pregnancy without wanting to jump off a building.  Wonder if that's normal?

For those that don't know, Metformin can be used to regulate sugar levels, hormones, ovulation cycles and reduce the risk of miscarriages, thus improving pregnancy rates in IVF.  It is a drug more commonly used in women who suffer from PCOS and who are preparing for IVF. 

The dear dear side effects of metformin are:

Nausea. (GIANT check)
Loss of appetite. (nope...the complete opposite)
Diarrhea. (check)
A metallic taste (and no...that's weird)

And the best part about these side effects?  Eating carbs seems to kick them into high gear!  So if you decide to have that english muffin for breakfast, you should expect to spend quite a bit of quality time in the bathroom the rest of the morning. 

Last time around (known from this point on as IVF #1) I was sick as a dog on Metformin.  My fertility doctor and nurses kept saying "eat low/no carb and high protein" and you will feel much better.  They suggested yogurt, chicken, cottage cheese, any kind of cheese, and protein protein protein.  So if you are wondering why greek yogurt and chicken made me want to turn tail and run...it's because those two things were the only foods I felt comfortable eating.  All the time.  Like...every meal.  And after about 2 months of that, I didn't ever ever ever want to see them ever again.  I broke up with them, and I was serious! 

So here we are, on to IVF #2, and I bet you can guess what my doctor and nurses are suggesting I eat!?    I don't know what to do.  I never experienced morning sickness with my first pregnancy (Thank you, Lord), but I am guessing this is pretty close to what morning sickness must feel like.  I am constantly dealing with nausea.  All day.  To the point where my mouth is watering and I am sure it's going to be a mad dash to the toilet.  But...all the while...I am SOOOOO hungry.  I want to eat EVERYTHING that has carbs.  Bread....potatoes....crackers....cereal.  Seriously, you don't want to know what I would do for an english muffin right now! 

It's supposed to get better.  And I know from experience that it does.  But, man oh man, it seems to be taking it's sweet time getting to that "better point". 

Don't feed the animals

This is not my sad face. Do not mistake it for my sad face.

This is my "hungry face". I am hungry.

I always feel weird saying things like "I am hungry" or "I'm starving". Working at a food bank I deal with people who are actually in need of food and at risk of going hungry each day. I usually have a slight sense of guilt that surfaces anytime I exclaim how hungry I am. In reality (obviously) I am not at serious risk for hunger.

Now that that has been explained.....
I am sooooo hungry. (What?? I have no conscience...don't act surprised)

I started my IVF medications last Monday. One week down....wahoo! Next Monday I have a doctor's appointment where I assume they will teach me how to poke holes in my body daily, i.e. give myself shots. But, until then, I am stuck with taking birth control (ironic...I know) and Metformin.

I have been advised that while on Metformin I should eat a low to no carb diet. Riiii-ght. No carbs. PSSShh...please. I love carbs. I live on carbs. Or at least I did. This adjustment to a low carb diet (let's not kid ourselves, there is no way I am going no carb) has been rocky.

I feel hungry all the time. Even right after I eat. Nothing (that is low carb) sounds appealing to me and all of this is accompanied by a daily mix of nausea.

Of course....I can eat carbs, but the side effects aren't pretty....and I won't go into details here.

Each day seems a little better than the day before and I hope this trend continues. Until then, if you see me out in public looking completely depressed....Don't fear- it's not depression, I am simply eyeballing that delicious looking sandwich you are eating. Don't get too close with your food or feed me....I bite.