Table of Contents
When Hunger Feels Like a Character Flaw
If you’ve ever felt like your appetite was “too much” or like you lacked the willpower to say no to sweets, you’re not alone. So many women with PCOS go through life believing that their struggles with food, weight gain, and energy are signs of weakness or failure.
I know because I’ve been there. It wasn’t until I stumbled across a post from a woman who started Metformin that everything clicked. She described the exact battle I had fought for years—hunger that didn’t seem to make sense, cravings that felt impossible to ignore, and the overwhelming guilt that came with them.
Her story reminded me of something powerful: our bodies aren’t broken. They’re just asking for the right kind of support.
Understanding PCOS and Metformin
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries work. One of its less-discussed symptoms is insulin resistance, which plays a major role in many of the challenges women with PCOS face.
Insulin is the hormone that helps our cells absorb glucose for energy. But when our bodies become resistant to it, the pancreas has to produce more insulin to compensate. This can lead to higher androgen levels, which worsen PCOS symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne.
This is where Metformin can be life-changing. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, Metformin improves insulin sensitivity. For many women with PCOS, this means fewer cravings, more stable energy, and better hormonal balance.
A comprehensive review in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences found that Metformin supports both metabolic health and reproductive function in women with PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and glucose levels (Diamanti-Kandarakis et al., 2010).
When Appetite Finally Feels Normal
One of the most surprising benefits women report when starting or increasing their dose of Metformin is a sudden shift in how their appetite feels. Cravings that once felt overpowering start to fade. Hunger cues begin to make sense. Sweet foods—even healthy ones like carrots or corn—may even start to taste too sweet.
This isn’t just anecdotal. A systematic review from Human Reproduction Update noted that in women resistant to other treatments, Metformin improved reproductive outcomes while also helping to regulate metabolic symptoms like persistent hunger and weight gain (Moll et al., 2007).
For many women, it’s the first time they realize their appetite was being driven by something deeper than just diet or discipline. And that realization can feel both validating and heartbreaking.
Reframing Medication and Shame
It’s worth noting that many of us were raised to believe that natural is always better. That relying on medication means we’ve failed in some way. But PCOS is a complex endocrine condition. And just like we wouldn’t expect someone with a thyroid disorder to fix it with kale alone, we shouldn’t expect women with PCOS to heal without the tools they need.
As one Reddit commenter gently pointed out, there’s no shame in using what modern medicine offers. Metformin isn’t a shortcut—it’s a support. For some, it’s a bridge that helps them finally feel like themselves again.
And yes, diet and movement matter. But as research from ScienceDirect emphasizes, when insulin resistance is a core issue, combining lifestyle changes with Metformin often leads to better long-term outcomes (Mathur et al., 2008).
Supplement Support: A Gentle Boost
While Metformin can be a powerful intervention, some women also choose to pair it with natural supplements that support blood sugar balance. One gentle option many find helpful is Inositol, particularly myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol. These compounds have been shown to mimic insulin and support ovarian function in women with PCOS.
A high-quality inositol supplement like Ovasitol by Theralogix may help enhance the effects of Metformin or support women who aren’t taking medication but still want nutritional backup. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
Another option to consider: a magnesium glycinate supplement. Magnesium plays a role in insulin regulation and may also help ease muscle tension and improve sleep quality—both common concerns for women with PCOS.
Read: PCOS Acne Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
A Word From Vitamins For Woman
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like me,” you’re not imagining things. That constant hunger, the frustration with your body, the endless cycle of trying harder without result is not your fault.
Hormones are powerful. And when they’re out of balance, our lives can feel out of balance too. But healing doesn’t have to mean going it alone. Whether it’s Metformin, supplements, or a supportive doctor who finally listens, you deserve a plan that honors your reality.
- Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Economou, F., Palimeri, S., & Christakou, C. (2010). Metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1205(1), 192–198. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05679.x 2
- Moll, E., van der Veen, F., & van Wely, M. (2007). Role of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review. Human Reproduction Update, 13(6), 527–537. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmm026
- Mathur, R., Alexander, C. J., Yano, J., Trivax, B., & Azziz, R. (2008). Use of metformin in polycystic ovary syndrome. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 199(6), 596–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2008.09.010
