Have you heard of the commonly prescribed type two diabetes medication called Metformin? It’s originally derived from French Lilac (Galega officinalis), a plant extracted for its medicinal value to treat diabetes employed in Europe since 1927.
At the fertility clinic, Metformin is commonly prescribed for women with PCOS. It can be effective to regulate periods for some, but Dr. Bentov, REI and expert on Metformin use for fertility in women with PCOS, shares how Metformin works, where it came from and the risks. He tells us that “Metformin makes a good engine turn into a bad engine” as it takes away energy from your cells (or as he puts it, “suffocates the mitochondria.”)
Instead of Metformin, he believes in the power of supporting a woman’s lifestyle and healthy habits over recommending meds. If you have PCOS or have diabetes, do not miss this episode. Learn the pros and cons of taking it and consult with your physician to make an informed choice for your fertility journey.
About Dr. Yaakov Bentov
Dr. Bentov is a progressive and compassionate physician utilizing over 60 scientific research papers he has published to help women prioritize lifestyle and nutrition above anything else before, during, and after pregnancy.
Dr. Yaakov Bentov was one of the top Reproductive endocrinologists REI when he was in Toronto as a senior REI at TRIO Fertility, medical director of Juno Fertility clinics, and research director at ANOVA Fertility.
Currently, he is a senior physician at the Hadassah mount Scopus IVF unit in Jerusalem and editor for several leading medical journals.
Resources
Fertility Talks #87: Metformin and Fertility with Dr. Yaakov Bentov
Metformin–mode of action and clinical implications for diabetes and cancer – PubMed (nih.gov)
Should metformin be included in fertility treatment of PCOS patients? – PubMed (nih.gov)
“A Western Diet Side Story”: The Effects of Transitioning to a Western-Type Diet on Fertility