Metformin Use for Pcos and Link to Torticollis

I haven't heard of any link, but I did take metformin for PCOS for 5 years before I had my daughter (as well as the first trimester), and she is very healthy (knock on wood). I have heard only good things about metformin and pregnancy, and that it may also prevent miscarriage in women with PCOS.
I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's medical issues, and wish you the best of luck.

I know I told you I saw a web page where there was a link, but for the life of me, I search all night and couldn't find that darn web site. However to put your mind at ease here is some infomation which you probably already know: Several sites stated that there are no known side effects with use of metformin and infants. Also the most common causes of Torticollis are inutero positioning, lack of space inutero (big baby or little mom), a traumatic birth, multiples (lack of room again!), and low amniotic fluid inutero. Obviously, non of these things can be prevented. SO, now you can stop feeling guilty! IF your still worried about her then maybe we need to have a 2nd opinion, perhaps with a pediatric specialist. Hugs and Talk to you later buddy. :)

Hi J.,

I ran a search of the National Institutes of Health library, the CDC site, and the FDA clinical trials site. I found NO documentation that any legitimate studies have been conducted on the metformin use as a causitive agent of congenital torticollis. If anyone claims that they've established a link, they're not basing it on sound medical/scientific research, and I would ignore it.

Doing a general search on metformin and birth defects, I found that one study in 2002 showed that there was a 30% decrease in the risk of birth defects in women with PCOS taking metformin, vs. those women with PCOS who were not taking metformin. In fact, the FDA has categorized metformin as grade "B", meaning that there are no risks of birth defects associated withit, although there is neither enough positive or negative information to draw a conclusion about its safety in pregnancy. In general, however, diabetic patients taking metformin are encouraged to continue usage during pregnancy as the risks to mother and baby from unregulated blood sugar levels is greater than any known risk of metformin usage.

Metformin works by helping glucose-resistant cells take up glucose so they can function properly. It was first developed for use by type II diabetics, but has now gained an off-lable usage for PCOS since the disease mechanisms are very similar.

BTW, I did notice an interesting clinical trial that will be recruiting soon, using botox and physical therapy to treat infants w/torticollis. If you're interested, check out

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show?term=congenital+to...

J.,

I can't comment on the use of metformin, but there are several things you point out that are concerning.

Walking on tiptoe and stiff muscles are typical red flags for Cerebral Palsy. Torticollis and "tongue tie" are also conditions that can be linked to CP. Does her pediatrician think that all the issues are linked? Has she been seen by a developmental pediatrician or by a neurologist? Perhaps doing a search on the symptoms and checking out CP websites would shed some light on the situation. Regardless, getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion would be in your daughter's best interest.

You have already been through a great deal just having your daughter, then with her health issues. I pray that a proper diagnosis will be forthcoming.

Blessings,
L.

I don't really know about that med. but my son was also born with torticollis and hypotonia. I did not take that medication either so maybe it's something genetic or in my son's case, he was positioned wrong in my stomach so one side of his neck cramped while the other side streched out.

interesting... I took metformin for several years for "borderline" pcos and did a bunch of fertility treatments during that time. Nothing helped me keep a pregnancy. We turned to adoption procedures, stopped all meds and relaxed and I got pregnant naturally. Our child was diagnosed with torticollis at 3.5 mos and she ended up having to wear a helmet and do physical therapy to correct her slight tilt to the head and preference to sleep on one side of her head which resulted in a flat spot. She also was a tippie toe gal for quite some time as she learned to stand. She is not stiff legged at all and only occasionally walks tippie toe now at 15 months. No mouth or weight issues either. Good luck with your research on this topic and I'd be interested in further findings! L.

Your question brought me with great curiosity as I use Metformin for my diebetis, and thus had to search what was "pcos".

I am not experienced in this field and you should know whether there is a link. Ask those questions with your child's pediatian as well as her other specialist. Your concerns are valid as to understand your child's developments and planning for another child. Good Luck!

I must also thank you, by my own searching of "pcos", it justifies much conditions and problems I am experiencing. I am 50yrs old, and perhaps as a teen, (then), it may not have been recognized. Now, I can talk to Drs. and try to link this as well. So, Good Luck Again .... and Thank You!