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What Causes Bouts Of Yellow Diarrhea While On Metformin For PCOS?
I am a 32 year old female that is 5 6 and weighs 125lbs. I have PCOS and have been taking metformin to treat it for 2 years now without any major problems. Lately, though I have recurring bouts of yellow diahhrrea and dont know what could be the cause. I havent changed anything in my routine but have been having issues for the last 6 months or so now.
Sat, 22 Apr 2023
Hi,
Metformin is used to manage insulin resistance and is also used in treating PCOS. Some of the common side effects of metformin include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. However, it is important to note that these side effects usually occur at the beginning of treatment and tend to subside over time.
In your case, since you have been taking metformin for 2 years without any major problems and have only recently experienced bouts of yellow diarrhea, there may be another underlying cause. Some possible causes of yellow diarrhea include:
- Infection: Certain infections like gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or bacterial infections can cause yellow diarrhea.
- Malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to yellow diarrhea.
- Medications: Certain medications like antibiotics, laxatives, or antacids can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
- Gallbladder disease: Inflammation of the gallbladder or gallstones can cause yellow diarrhea.
It is important to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They may recommend tests like stool analysis, blood tests, or imaging tests to diagnose the cause. Additionally, if the diarrhea is severe or persists for more than a few days, it is important to seek medical attention as dehydration can be a serious complication.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Metformin is used to manage insulin resistance and is also used in treating PCOS. Some of the common side effects of metformin include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. However, it is important to note that these side effects usually occur at the beginning of treatment and tend to subside over time.
In your case, since you have been taking metformin for 2 years without any major problems and have only recently experienced bouts of yellow diarrhea, there may be another underlying cause. Some possible causes of yellow diarrhea include:
- Infection: Certain infections like gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or bacterial infections can cause yellow diarrhea.
- Malabsorption: Conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to yellow diarrhea.
- Medications: Certain medications like antibiotics, laxatives, or antacids can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
- Gallbladder disease: Inflammation of the gallbladder or gallstones can cause yellow diarrhea.
It is important to see a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They may recommend tests like stool analysis, blood tests, or imaging tests to diagnose the cause. Additionally, if the diarrhea is severe or persists for more than a few days, it is important to seek medical attention as dehydration can be a serious complication.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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