Metformin: Are you taking it and what has your experience been?

[Ardoc]

I have read a lot lately about people taking Metformin even though they are not diabetic/pre-diabetic for health/anti-aging reasons. As I'm sure you are all aware, it is purported to have beneficial effects similar to calorie restriction as well as the many other health claims. It is also cited to have a synergistic effect with TRT based on an article I read here on this Forum and from Jay Campbell's book. I really haven't seen any negative feedback about it other than some stomach upset.

At a glance this seems to fall into the "too good to be true" column for me and I am hoping to get input from others who are taking it as well as those who may have quit taking it for some reason.

I have been on TRT for the past 4 years and realizing benefit from it. I eat fairly well and work out but I also travel a quite a bit. Although I find it easier to eat well and exercise when travelling, than it was years ago, it is still sub par compared to how I live when I am at home. I've been thinking Metformin may be helpful for that reason as well as for maximizing the effectiveness of my TRT.

Some questions that come to mind;

Do you develop a "dependence" to it? (i.e. does it down-regulate anything as happens when taking exogenous hormones?)

How much does it affect/lower SHBG? (mine is currently leaning toward the lower end of the range but I do well on EOD TestCyp/HCG injections)

Are there any consequences to stoping the usage? (no reason in mind to do this just thinking this through)

Any and all input is greatly appreciated!!

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I have been on 500 mg twice per day of Metformin and have had a very nice surprise that I did not expect. My IBS improved dramatically. I also lost 10 pounds and I think it may have been more visceral fat than muscle or subcutaneous fat. My "normal" bloating after meals has improved by at least 80%.

I need to run some labs to see my lipids and other factors.

 

[Ardoc]

Thanks Nelson I appreciate the response! Can I ask how long you have been taking it?

The feedback about improved IBS is good news also as I have had bouts of IBS on and off over most of my life. Although mine has been fairly mild compared to many people and largely tied to stress. I do also experience bloating after eating quite frequently.

Are you aware of any negative consequences of stopping Metformin?

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Sorry, I have been on it for about two months.

I do not think I will ever get off metformin. I have forgotten to take it twice and I definitely felt the bloat come back. I think insulin spikes have a lot to do with either water retention and/or gut mucosal inflammatory response.

The holiday season was a true test since I could not avoid sweets!

The weird thing is that many people are afraid of metformin since it is known to cause gut issues. I think that concern comes from studies using higher doses (up to 3000 mg per day. I use 1000 mg per day).

This is one of the studies that encouraged me to use metformin. I am a muscular guy but proved that I had increased visceral fat due to my HIV lipodystrophy when I got a CT scan of my L4-L5 level.

http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/192922

 

[Nelson Vergel]

More on Metformin

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where to buy metformin without a script [Archive] - ExcelMale.com

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A new study explores anti-aging properties of metformin [Archive ...

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Latest Update on Metformin

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2467 Since the discovery of Metformin (way back in 1922), the medication has become one of the most vital medications in the world. The WHO ...

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Low SHBG: Insulin Resistance?

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Metformin-interesting read

https://www.excelmale.com/forum/showthread.php?5733-Metformin...read

But very interesting read! http://www.inquisitr.com/2599362/diabetes-drug- metformin-could-increase-human-lifespan-to-120-years/

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[Ardoc]

Wow thanks Nelson!.....that will keep me busy for a while.

This may be in the articles Nelson posted above... but does anyone know of any inherent issues with taking Met for a period of time and then stopping?
I realize that at the minimum your body will return to functioning the way it did prior but has anyone heard of negatives after discontinuing? Or even educated guesses about that?
If I start taking it, I would likely not stop but just like to be informed ahead of time.

 

[ERO]

No issues stopping and starting unless you are a diabetic and using Metformin as part of your treatment. Obviously you would not want to stop due to resulting high blood glucose under that scenario. Oh, and FWIW, you can get it here very cheaply. http://www.safemeds4all.com/

 

[Vince]

I've been on Metformin ER for over 5 years, 750mg twice a day. I am insulin resistant, I do supplement my B vitamin and never had any issues with metformin.

 

[Leesto]

I take 1000 mg twice per day and have been doing so for a little over a year. I am type II diabetic. Metformin helped to lower my HbA1C and stabilize my blood sugar levels.

I have noticed no side effects whatsoever. There are many studies out there which show it is one of the safest meds you can take. It is even touted in some medical studies as having long term anti-aging properties.

There seem to be no negatives to discontinuing Metformin - unless you are diabetic and your blood sugar levels rise when you stop taking it.

 

[Ardoc]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I started taking 500mg 2x/day yesterday. I have had a noticeable increase in energy for the past 2 days. Is this a co-incidence or did anyone else experience this?
I have noticed no side-effects or stomach upset so far (Although I do realize its pretty early to make an assessment Heartburn and/or intestinal upset were my concerns)

 

[Nelson Vergel]

It may be placebo effect although I have to say I no longer have the postprandial fatigue effect I used to have specially after lunch. Lower insulin and glucose spikes?

 

[Ardoc]

Yes I'm assuming its a placebo effect, although this is day 3 with increased energy? Ive never really noticed any sluggishness after meals (except for the odd time back when I would eat a heavy pasta meal) so I've noticed no difference there.

Placebo effect or not.... I'll take it!