I don't know if there are any threads already started but I've just officially found out I've got PCOS this morning - I've always known deep down. Please tell me it's not all bad I'm feeling very sorry for myself.
We've been TTC for 6 months - only 3 cycles. I supposedly ovulated on CD36 (now CD43) this cycle. Gynae reckons not preg cos uterus lining would've thickened. (Had a scan this morning)

Any hints/tips on treatment/TTC?
How to deal with symptoms?

How did Posh spice and Jools Oliver manage to fall preg?

Hi Fruitloop - Sorry to hear your diagnosis. It can make TTC more difficult but there are lots of us with PCOS who have conceived and several treatments/lifestyle changes that can help.

What sypmtoms do you have? Making sure you are as close to your ideal weight as possible will make a big difference and can sometimes stop the symptoms. The low GI diet is great for PCOS sufferers (both as a diet but also just to maintain a healthy weight)It keeps your blood sugar levels constant so helps stop the sugar cravings.

I have excess hair so I have got to know the beauty therapist in my local salon well as I go there to be waxed fairly regularly also have a good pair of tweezers! I am considering laser treatment at the moment.

Collette Harris has written a couple of books on PCOS which I have found helpful.There is also VERITY which is a support group.

What has your gynae said about treatment or is he going to wait a bit first? There are some treatments they can do. Metformin which is a diabetic treatment and clomid to help you ovulate. There may be others - someone else who knows more will be able to advise!

The good (and ironic) news is that PCOS can often improve after you have a child. I wish you lots of luck.

Hi Fruitloop,

I have had PCOS for 8 years. It runs in my family and I did a dissertation on this subject for my degree. So I think I know a bit about it :-)

First of of all this condition is a syndrome, hence it affects women in varying ways. There are a spectrum of symptoms attached to PCOS.

Some of the Symptoms
*Irregular periods
*No periods at all
*Adult Acne
*Overweight (possibly obese)
*Hirsutism (i.e being very hairy)

Medically it still a mystery. However, there is a lot of help out there, that can be suited to your particular needs to help alleviate your symptoms.

First of all lets deal with Posh, Jools and Kym Marsh etc.
They are a typical example of how the conditions has affected them differently. From Acne, to excess hair, irregular periods and being overweight. I am not going to say who fits into which category as we all know already :-)

Now to treat Acne and/or excess hair GP's often prescribe Dianette. Which is amazing!!!! Basically, the drug blocks your androgens (hormones) and slows down hair growth and acne from appearing. It also acts as a contraceptive, which is a real bonus. If you don't want to get pregnant of course.

To treat overweight ladies and/or regulate periods GP's prescribe Metformin (which is usually given to diabetics). Which often helps long suffering ladies trying to concieve.

If Metformin doesn't work, to help regulate your period and hopefully concieve. Then the next line of treatment is Clomid.

Clomid fools your body into believing your estrogen levels have fallen and helps to release one or more mature follicles (there is a 5% chance of a multiple birth whilst on Clomid)

My story (if you are still awake)

If you have diabetes in he family, this tends to be a factor in you inheriting this condition. Unfortunately, in my family Diabetes is rampant!

I had my first dd in 2006. My husband and I decided we wanted her to have a sibling as soon as possible. So we started trying. It has been almost a year and TTC number 2 has not been so easy. I was 9.5 stone when I first got pregnant and am now 12 stone (thanks to Metformin), but still have had no luck.

My CD35 and every time they reach 40-47 days, I get very excited and convince myself I am pregnant. But the BFN on the PT always tells a different story. My doctor says I am stressed and that's why some of cycles extend to 40-47 days, so I need to relax.

So I am of to my doctor's tomorrow to plead for Clomid. I have done my research and have been very patient. So I am hoping I get this miracle drug, because it really does work.

However, I am trying to eat healthy and loose lots of weight to.

Ok I think I am done. I hope I haven't bored you. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Help yourself and you will get pregant. Tell me a little about you and your lifestyle and I will try to help.

x

I have PCOS and I am a parent.

You have been given good information by other posters to date. Its causes are unknown but there seem to be hereditary factors passed down the male side (male pattern baldness).

Verity have a website which you may want to look at (infact I would advise any PCOSer to look at this). Its www.verity-pcos.org.uk.

Clomid was not actually given to me as I was not deemed suitable to take it. It is not always suitable for all PCOSers to take and it should be given to such patients with a degree of caution because of clomid resistance. It also thus goes without saying that women on clomid should be monitored and not left. Clomid encourages the ovaries to work harder and encourages LH production. As many women with PCOS have an imbalance of LH to FSH clomid is sometimes not suitable.

Other possible treatment options include injectible drugs and diathermy surgery.

My advice to you would be to educate yourself as much as possible re PCOS as it will help you when it comes to asking questions and making treatment decisions in conjunction with your consultant.

HTH, any other questions just ask

Attila

Hi, me too - I have a ds, and am 12 wks pg with number 2 - both with assistance from Metformin. So it is possible! Good luck, and be persistent with your doctors for an active treatment, along with healthy diet and exercise.

I have PCOS and I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my first child. With a sensible diet and lots of exercise I managed to lose nearly 3 stone which kick-started a regular menstrual cycle and helped me to conceive naturally.

It took a long time to get the weight off, but I got there in the end.

Another PCOS success story here, we were trying for a year before conceiving after just three months on Metformin - I lost two stone in the process!
Clomid works so well that just having it in the medicine cabinet, unopened worked for me - I was so busy waiting for my period to start so I could begin the Clomid I overlooked the fact that I was in fact late, and pregnant.

Thanks for your messages guys. It really helps to know how common it is and I know it is possible to get pregnant. I knew I had it, I have always had every symptom apart from being overweight. I do have trouble keeping the weight down though but thought this was down to my underactive thyroid (yes I know shitty endocrine system!). Funnily enough (and after 3 years of being on and off the pill - more off than on) I conceived DS while on a low GI Diet. So, I'm reluctantly going to go for it again now I know it helps PCOS. I just find it the most boring diet in the world. I know it can be interesting if you put your mind to it but I really dont have the time or energy to get creative with food. I also love sugary things , sweetcorn and bananas which are all out . I know it's worth it cos I feel so much better and energetic when I'm on low GI.

The excessive hair thing has always been a problem for me. I've always got very depressed about it but just put it down to being hereditary blaming my mum and dad. Waxing is soooo expensive, creams, shaving etc just so monotonous and dont last. What I wouldnt give for a complete laser hair removal. My friend said she heard it's free if you've got PCOS as it's medical. I've tried Googling it but can't find info so don't think it's true. Maybe I'll ask GP.

My cycles are all over the place since coming off the pill 6 months ago. In fact my hairyness and spots are terrible since coming off the pill. It's amazing what the pill can do! shame it stops you getting preg!

I've only had 3 cycles in those 6 months. Last one was 88 days! Really frustrating when trying to join ovulation calenders online cos they only tend to go up to 40days. So far I'm on CD43. Got a positive OPK for the first time on CD36.

Right, there's my life story, I'm going off to eat my dinner. If I think of anything else, I'll add.
Would love to know how you all get on with PCOS

Moonlit just read your post on other thread, Bloody hell, If I lost a stone I'd look ill! I'm just under 9 and half stone and about 5ft 4. So well within my healthy weight range. I was just under 9 stone when I conceived DS 2.5 yrs ago but everyone said I was too thin! I'm already obsessed about what I eat (we have to be don't we!)
Just begun low GI this eve. Trouble is I end up eating a lot of artificial sweeteners (squash/sweets/choc) which I really don't wanna have. but you can't have sugar on low GI so only option.
I've noticed that losing weight seems to help regulate all your cycles and result in a pregnancy but I still have al these symptoms and don't really need to lose weight

moonlitGood luck at the GP's tomorrow, let us know how it goes!

I know those long cycles are so misleading. You end up symptom spotting dont you and working yourself up into thinking you might be preg, so disappointing.
Was funny when I conceived DS. I only did a test cos I knew the GP was gonna ask me for one at my following appointment. Almost collapsed when it came up +ve! Then I realised that food tasted funny, boobs had grown and was knackered all the time! Just hadn't realised

I've been feeling really shitty since the scan this morning especially as literally all my mates are preg, really! oh except about 3! I went to see one this morning but I broke down in tears . She just kept going on about her bloody pregnancy! Then another phoned me today to announce her pregnancy to me then another popped round this afternoon! I'm hoping all these preg ladies will have given me some luck .

Hi Attila I had a look at that website. I was gonna join but I can't justify spending money on things like that. Also the forum looked a little confusing. I'm used to this one and like the way it's set out

fruitloop

Please do not use OPK's if you have a PCOS diagnosis - they are next to useless in such circumstances. These things measure LH - if you are one of many women who produce an excess of LH (a common problem with PCOS for example) the test reads that level. Temp charting is also hopeless if PCOS is an issue as well as you'll end up with a chart akin to the Rocky Mountains.

I note you under the care of a gynae consultant - what has been suggested re treatment options?.

Hi attila Oh I just meant the doc who did my scan. I assumed she was a gynae I havnt seen my GP yet about what to do next. It was the scan doc who suggested Clomid.

So I can't even temp????

What am I supposed to do to pin point ovulation? I remember you said before not to use OPK's but it was the only time in this cycle so far that it came up +ve. I've had faint lines before but this was a strong line. The scan lady also said it looks as though I've ov'd this cycle.
There must be something we can do to work out when we ov! Otherwise it's BDing every other day for up to or over 88 days! no way!

Good Morning Fruitloop,

How scary we are quite similar. I am 5 ft 4 and was 9 stone 6 lbs. when I conceived my DD 2 years ago. But I knew I had to get my weight down to get pregnant, and it worked.

You are so lucky you don't need to loose weight. But eating healthy food i.e less carbs seems to trigger pregnancy in PCOS women from my experience. Just keep going with your low GI diet. I think it will work for you. Also, make sure you are taking folic acid or multivitamins. If you stick to it, you will be building a healthy environment for your baby to grow in.

I had laser hair treatment six years ago on my face. Which was great! I still have patches, but it's definitely not as bad as it used to be. Unfortunately, this is not available to us on the NHS. However, if you are a young sufferer i.e. 13 years old etc then it's possible. I know of one person. But it took a years worth of letters and a great deal of persuasion. So we grown ups have to save and spend on the treatment ourselves.

My DH is very supportive of my PCOS condition. And is always finding ways of helping me.

I agree with Attila, my GP said Fertility monitors etc are useless and a waste of money. Build a good relationship with your GP and they will help you to get the best treatment.

Be positive Fruity. I want to give up to sometimes. But I keep going

I know everyone around me has had a baby or is pregnant. And then there is my MIL who asks me everyday ' when are you having another baby'. Although I have explained my condition she is not convinced. MIL's honestly [smile}

Good Morning Fruitloop,

How scary we are quite similar. I am 5 ft 4 and was 9 stone 6 lbs. when I conceived my DD 2 years ago. But I knew I had to get my weight down to get pregnant, and it worked.

You are so lucky you don't need to loose weight. But eating healthy food i.e less carbs seems to trigger pregnancy in PCOS women from my experience. Just keep going with your low GI diet. I think it will work for you. Also, make sure you are taking folic acid or multivitamins. If you stick to it, you will be building a healthy environment for your baby to grow in.

I had laser hair treatment six years ago on my face. Which was great! I still have patches, but it's definitely not as bad as it used to be. Unfortunately, this is not available to us on the NHS. However, if you are a young sufferer i.e. 13 years old etc then it's possible. I know of one person. But it took a years worth of letters and a great deal of persuasion. So we grown ups have to save and spend on the treatment ourselves.

My DH is very supportive of my PCOS condition. And is always finding ways of helping me.

I agree with Attila, my GP said Fertility monitors etc are useless and a waste of money. Build a good relationship with your GP and they will help you to get the best treatment.

Be positive Fruity. I want to give up to sometimes. But I keep going

I know everyone around me has had a baby or is pregnant. And then there is my MIL who asks me everyday ' when are you having another baby'. Although I have explained my condition she is not convinced. MIL's honestly

Woops posted twice!!!

How funny, we are very similar aren't we!

I'd love to get a good relationship with my GP but I seem to go to a different one all the time! At the moment the surgery dont know when my 'original' GP is gonna be back so gotta see another one This was the same at my last surgery.

How much does laser treatment cost? the sproutings on my face are getting worse! it's embarrassing. I never let DP touch my face! I thought I had it cos I laughed at a hairy faced granny on the bus when I was a teenager ( I thought it was pay back! )

I want my chin, lip, tummy, thighs and bikini done (why do they call it a line? I wish it was only a line!) - It's gonna cost a fortune isnt it! Can you have laser while pg?

oh crap! guess what's just arrived in the post? A huge bag of ov tests and a BBT thermometer! Maybe I'll have a go and see what happens.....

hi all I have PCOS too and am trying to conceive 2nd baby. well sort of trying anyway, had mc last December and am too heavy to really consider proper ttc.

like some have said low GI and exercise did it for me last time.
I was ok during most of the pregnancy but on the last 2months I put on huge amount of weight, 4st altogether still avoiding gestational diabetes but it was close.
am still trying to get rid of the last stone 3yrs later.
Am not doing exercise as regularly as I would like and that is seriously affecting my mood, but I guess that with the mc and winter it is to be expected.

sorry about the rambling post

Why don't we form a MN ttc weight loss thread to try to encourage each other? Today I have had a yoghurt and some pineapple for breakfast so no carbs yet! (I refuse to count any carbs in fruit)

I certainly need encouragement to go back out running best thing for my mood and fitness but have not really been more than a handful of times since the summer.

we got up late so am having a breakfast smoothie with yoghurt berries and oats

Well I've started a low GI diet thread on the weight loss topic but might be better here cos we're all in the same position with PCOS.

I've had 'no added sugar' Alpen and now halfway through a cappuccino (not skinny though) they don't have skimmed milk everywhere unfortunately. Maybe I should carry round a carton
I'll make a pact with you all that we're all gonna go to the gym/exercise more often. My gym membership costs a fortune and I rarely go well, I do use the jacuzzi and sauna

So here I go on the most boring diet in the world Oh well, it'll be worth it in the end! DP's gonna do it with me cos he wants to get fit for the summer (might help his little boys too)

Hey ladies,

I am definitely going to join you.

I have just got back from GP's. She refused Clomid

As she is convinced it's my weight gain, that is preventing me from getting pregnant and all the stress I have been under. She has prescribed further Metformin for five months. She says after that she will consider 'other options'. Now that really annoyed me, but I know she is only trying to help. She told me I have to loose 20kg. Omigod!!!!!!

My DH keeps on trying to get me a membership to the local posh gym. But I know I won't go. Anway, I am going to join you guys. I think the support will help us all to loose weight and get preggers!!!!!

We won't let PCOS get the better of us!!!!!!

I agree that weight is a major factor also the fact that PCOS seems to make us prone to depression etc. 20kg is doable particularly if you exercise.

am more motivated to go out early in the morning for a jog, sunrise coming at a more reasonable time. it used to be my favourite thing

Moonlit - you need to ask to go and see an endocrinologist specialist, pref one with interest in pcos. You can find good ones near you by googling. In my exp GPs know very little about pcos. If your GP won't refer you go and see a different GP - tell them you;ve been tryng for x amount of time (say longer if you want) and ask for referral to specialist.

Ahh thanks sfxmum!I won't look at 20 kg in such a bad way now

Fruity: I paid £1000 for my laser from Boots. They have now stopped doing the laser. Hence, why i stopped laser treatment. I don't like my husband touching my face either. :0 I remember him once saying ' at least you have less hair than me'. I tell you thank goodness he does have more hair than me .

I wouldn't recommend hair removal whilst you are pregnant. I remember being told you an end up with patches of skin that are different in colour.

GP wise, find out which one specializes in women's health and stick to that one.

yellowflowers: Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. Luckily my sister is a doctor to. So I am always pestering her with my PCOS questions, she is always happy to help because she has PCOS. My GP really is fabulous and is totally clued up on PCOS. Hence she didn't think twice before giving me Metformin, scans and blood tests. But after four months she still refuses I will definitely go and see a specialist.

In the meantime with the support of you guys, I know I can loose the weight and get pregnant without further treatment.

I don't worry too much about the hair I have some and need to keep on top of it iyswim with my trusted tweezers, but will not let it bring me down.
a more permanent treatment would be great but hey.
I have a new GP, well for the last 2.5 yrs but have not discussed PCOS with her. the previous GP was quite supportive but kept suggesting I go on Atkins weirdo

sfxmum - Your GP told you to go on Atkins! That's hilarious. I was laughing when I read that bit. Tweezers wise, I am with you on that one hun. Tweezermans are the best, my best friend.

To tell you the truth. I did the Atkins, when I first got pregnant. The farts were terrible, but trust me not as bad as they are now from taking Metformin. When I visit my Dad, I call him my fating buddy (He takes it for Diabetes)

x

fating buddy = farting buddy :0

Oh my god Atkins a doctor suggested Atkins! Me thinks he/she needs to go back to doctor school

I'd love laser hair removal but £1000 is a bit steep. I've got a tenner

Do you wanna get all technical with stats? we could add our weight loss/gain to motivate us? I reckon if we weigh ourselves once a week say at boots or gym if you haven't got scales. Do you reckon a good idea? or a bit obsessive? It'll be fun
Something like this:

Fruitloop CD44,Cycle 3, then weight loss/gain so far

I've got a very low fat Sainsburys Carrot and Coriander soup with a slice of freshly made granary bread for lunch (and a smidgen of olive oil spread) Quite tasty actually, no doubt got something in it I can't have!

he was fun told me that many women with PCOS did it and ended up calling their kids Atkinsmaybe in America

luckily by then I was reading Colette Harris and going to the gym almost every day by the time I got pregnant I was 9.6st which was good for my 5.5ft am currently 11.6st

I've got carrot and coriander soup for lunch too.

My specialist prescribed me Vaniqa cream. When I was on that, metformin and yasmin (the pill) the hair stopped almost completely (on the chin) but when I came off the pill it came back with a vengeance.

I did one sesison of laser at the hospital (paid for privately) and hated it - left me marked for four weeks and was painful. Also you are not allowed to go in the sun at all for about six months afterwards and once you stop doing it the hair comes back.

Fruity I think a tenner will remove about five hair follicles

Yes I like your idea! Your soup smells nice. My stomach is rumbling. Time for my lunch.

By the way, I read your post on another thread. I want a big family too. At least six kids. But I am now stuck just after one. Well I turn 30 in March, and I just need to get on with it. Women have children into their mid 40's, so it will be ok.

that's PANTS yellowflowers I thought laser was supposed to get rid forever! or is that electrolysis?
When I was suspicious about PCOS i assumed there would be a magic pill to get rid of excess hair and spots forever so was quite looking forward to the diagnosis but obviously I was very very wrong
Also you'd think we could get it free cos it's for medical purposes. My friend reckoned you can but I've googled and can't find anything

Oh yellowflowers what's that cream you were talking about? Vaniqa?

I know Moonlit We WILL have big families! I'm 29 in June so still got time but hopefully getting married Aug 09 so was gonna stop TTC by May so I'm not a fat bride! Obviously I now realise I'm going to have to keep battling on cos I've said g'bye to the pill for ever!
Has any of you got an underactive thyroid too? I wondered if was linked to PCOS cos I've got both and obviously they're both hormonal problems

(have not has)

moonlit I am 39 worry not although I would love more kids I would be happy with just another one.
I would consider electrolysis but experiences do vary I know someone quite reputable who does it in my area but it is not a priority for me atm.

since we are sharing lunch I had 2 quorn sausages and vegetables. plus one of dd's chicken thingies {blush]

Hi

I don't have PCOS but do have quite bad endometriosis. Have just started TTC.

Can any of you medical people tell me whether these two tings are very similar in terms of potential fertility problems?

I don't know Eleveld I'm sure someone will be along to help you in a bit.

Vaniqa is a cream you apply twice a day thinly - it does something to the enzymes to stop the hair but takes several months to work and like I say, as soon as I stopped the pill it stopped working too (my specialist says it's the combined effect of all three - metformin, pill and cream) that stopped the hair. Only other thing I was offered was anti androgyn pills but you can't get pregannt on them as they damage baby - I think I had to sign something that said I would not continue the pregnancy if I got pregnant on one though now I think abotu it I don't think that would be possible to enforce so maybe i imagined that bit.

My GP wouldn't give me vaniqa but the specialist did. I think it's quite expensive.

Also it's not been tested for pregnancy so I;m meant to stop using it as soon as I find out I am pregnant.

Need to ensure some BDing tomorrow night - must find way to be sexy to ensure it happens!

Incidentally I know someone ewho has pcos who as a teenager was told by gp they would never be preggers and then didn't use contraception with DP when a teenager and got pregnant and ended up aborting. GPs just don't necessarily know when someone will conceive and when they won't.

I think when TTC you cant really take anything can you Just live with it.

Oh FFS, I can feel my chin sprouting again. I swear I plucked yesterday

Oh there must be something to take! I'm soooo fed up with constantly worrying if anyone else can see it. I hate this sooo much. Not only do I feel like a freak but my bits don't work properly either!!! aaaaagghhhhh

Sorry, rant over

Just a quicky to say i was diagnosed with pcos and the consultant said it would be unlikely that i would concieve again naturally and about 7 months later i found out i was expecting dd3 (20 weeks) and we are now ttc again

oliviaelanasmum you are an inspiration to us all! thankyou!!!!

Eleveld

Both PCOS and endometriosis can certainly cause problems with regards to ttc.

www.endo.org.uk is the website of Endometriosis UK which is well worth a read.

When were you originally diagnosed with endometriosis?. What treatments and or surgery have you had to date?.

Fruitloop

AFAIK PCOS and thyroid problems are two separate entities and are thus not connected to each other.

Thanks, we havent told anyone in rl we are trying to concieve again as dd3 is only 20 weeks but i have suffered 2 miscarriages out of 4 pregnancies so it may take a while yet
My symptoms are not too bad, i cant lose weight even the diet the doctors gave me and medication didnt work but as soon as i was pg the weight dropped off, i was ^lb heavier at 32 weeks than i was when i fell pg and dd3 weighed 8lb11oz so she was quite a lot of that!!

6lb!!

You are absolutely right yellowflowers,

We sometimes think GP's are miracle workers. But they are normal people like us. We women are all very different, hence our bodies work in different ways. So a GP can't know everything.

I have Acne, excess hair and have gained a lot of weight. However, my periods are regular, well most of the time

When I used to take Dianette. My skin was amazing! People thought I had a skin peel or something. I felt so fabulous. But as soon as I stopped the hair came back as did the acne.

Fruity: Congrats on your forthcoming marriage. I am a wedding planner. It has always been a hobby, friends and family etc. But I am now taking it seriously.

I had eggs for lunch.

Dinner, grilled chicken and tomatoes.

God the hairy chin is always a problem

My husband is away for two weeks. So i can refrain from removing it

Hey oliviaelanasmum, you are so lucky! I hope some of your luck comes our way :0

Thanks moonlit I have no idea where to begin but have found confetti.com useful so far. Got ages yet! Gotta have a baby before then

I'm getting married too - in July!

ooh congrats yellowflowers! Have you got everything sorted then

I've noticed there isn't a topic for people getting married! I reckon it would go down really well. Or are we mumsnetters supposed to be married already??
How do you start a new topic?

Nearly everything sorted because doing a small ceremony (30 people) followed a couple of weeks later (after honeymoon) by big party. Not worried about ttc and being fat bride because already fat (lol!).

Lol....I am sure a lot of Mum's get married after they have had children. The guys can be blackmailed better. Well that's what happened with me. Had DD in March 2006, got married in January 2007.

<<SOB SOB>>
Im still not married

Hey Oliviaelanasmum,

You have three beautiful children. Your man won't be going anywhere

I am only doing it because DP wants to get married before kids and I am desperate for kids hence being on here. He knows we're ttc but he thinks I have a come what may attitude. Ha! As if.

Thanks AttilaTheMeerkat

Was diagnosed with endo about 4 years ago although suspect I had had it quite a while before that.
Had laparoscopy 3 years ago to drain cysts.

Then had to have laparotomy (spelling?) 2 years ago to remove two cysts that were 7 and 8cm.

Had scan in November and there is another cyst on one side that is about 6cm. Consultant not doing anything at the mo but is scanning again in couple of months.

On the plus side, when he did the op two years ago he did say that he didn't see any scar tissue or damage to the tubes, just these cysts. Am hoping that's quite good?

Eleveld

You've had two ops already but you may need a third at some point in time because of these cysts. Am glad you are being scanned, this needs monitoring. I am glad to read that he has not seen signs of adhesions or damage to the tubes. Has a HSG (tubal x-ray) been done at all?. HSG is a useful test to have as any deformities INSIDE the tube will show up on x-ray and can give info not easily accessed by other methods.

Were you told the nature of these cysts previously, were they termed "chocolate" cysts?. I ask this as "chocolate" cysts are often related to endometriosis, their proper name is endometrioma.

I've just come found this Dunno if it's any good

Attila

No not had a HSG. And yes I believe they were chocolate cysts.

Am seeing him again in March and this will be the first time I've seen him since TTC so I can discusss everything with him then.

Thanks for your help

I meant I've just found this. Not I've just 'come found' this!

Hi girls,
Hows everyone feeling today? I'm more than today. I just can't get my head round it. It doesn't make any sense why people who have spent their whole life wanting kids and really motherly/maternal etc.. have so much trouble conceiving. Then there's everyone else who can decide when they want a baby and within a couple of months they're pg. I just don't get it I really dont.

I'm not doing too badly on the old GI diet. I made some delicious pancakes yesterday. Got the recipe from my GI book. Really yummy and DS and DP liked them too. I put lemon juice and Splenda on them (splenda a bit weird tasting but I'll get used to it)

I attempted to start temping this morning but it went wrong so gonna try again tomorrow. Dont tell Attila, she'll tell me off for even entertaining the idea

Hey Attila you seem to know about Agnus Castus and PCOS. I know you say not to self medicate but I really cant afford to go to a herbal remedy type person. Would it be so bad if I take it? My cycles can vary from 45 - 88days+ . Surely it can't make my cycles worse can it???

Attila are you in the medical field?

Fruity, out of sheer desperation, I tried lots of herbal products on my trips to the US (because they are very cheap there). They don't work. Instead you should save your money for baby clothes . I have also wasted 100 hundreds on visiting herbalists. Speak to your Doctor about options first. If your Doctor can't help, they should refer you to someone who can as suggested by Attila.

x

Well I have got some Agnus Castus in my cupboard. Got it from Holland and Barratt. Can't do any harm can it? haven't tried it yet. was gonna wait till next cycle (if it ever arrives). Just wanted to know what difference it will make if i've already got mad cycles

Attila stop Fruitloop!!!!!

oh pleeeease can I take it! [stamping feet and shouting]

Hi ladies - I too have pcos and took nearly 2 years to conceive dd1 - suffering 1 miscarriage in the process. If it is any consolation then once you do have a successful pregnancy the pcos symptoms do get better and i had 2 more successful pregnancies after (3 dcs).

I found that agnus castus helped get my cycles more even - at one stage was having cycles 42 - 49 days long. Also when I lived out in Germany I was actually prescribed this by German GP to help with cysts in breast! So I personally think this is one remedy that can help.

I also found that an Atkins/GI type diet helped - did not do full Atkins but cut back on starchy carbs and bread and ate mostly meat/veg/fruit/cheese/rice.

There is a PCOS diet book see here. But just to warn you it is not so much a diet as an eating plan - explains the biological background that causes PCOS and how foods can affect the hormonal balance.

Hope this helps!

Also there is a group called verity that can tell you all you need to know about pcos see here

Well I've blown GI already today. lovely porridge for brekkie, soup and 1 granary bread for lunch, loads of fruit in between. But, I was so hungry just now I had to make myself a sarnie (yes TWO slices of bread - granary though!) and marmite (no marg). Bad on the carbs but surely granary is low GI? I was starving and I've been drinking sugar free squash all day to fill the hunger hole but not working so I just had to eat something with substance! All this sugar free squash is giving me a headache I just cant have water on it's own.
I'll have a butchers at that PCOS diet book sam100

bought it! are there some recipes in the back? I can't look inside it.

Fruitloop

Please, please (x 1000) do not self medicate with AC particularly if you have PCOS as it can make any underlying hormonal problems worse!!.

If you really want to use herbs you really ought to seek out a properly qualified medical herbalist. Speak to several if needbe. Would have to agree with Moonlit's second paragraph on this subject. There are charlatans/quacks out there and many such people are vulnerable to these people.

You've been busted re the temp charting as well!. If you really want to do this then I would say only do this for one month. If you as I suspect end up with a chart akin to the Rocky Mountains, please stop forthwith.

You are better off seeing the gynae on a regular basis.

No am not in the medical field but have PCOS (and endo) and have come through fertility treatment.

I agree about agnus castus. It did not help me at all and I suspect made things worse.

I was lucky and was being treated by a gynae for my fertility issues and by an endocrinologist for PCOS. The endo I see is very interested in PCOS and the link with diabetes and she runs a specialist clinic for PCOS women.

I was prescribed a mega does of metformin and was told that it is more effective than clomid in women with PCOS. However, at the same time I had something called ovarian drilling, which is exactly what it sounds! This kept me off work for a while due to a post op infection and I maintain it was a combination of the metformin, the drilling and work avoidance that got me pregnant (apart from the obvious!)

What does work, as hard as it is, is losing 10% of your body weight. The most effective way to do this is to take metformin and follow the low GI diet. I continued to take metformin during my pregnancy on the guidance of the endocrinologist, as it helps to reduce the risk of miscarriage and gestational diabetes.

I feel so much better when I take metformin, have a good diet etc. I have more energy, my skin looks better and I actually ovulate. It is true, you can't take your temp really but what you can do is look for cervical mucus. You need to be on the look out for the clear, stretchy egg white looking stuff, then go for it!

It is possible to get pregnant, but aside from the pregnancy issue you do need to get it under control for future health protection. I really am pot calling kettle black here because I haven't taken my metformin for a while (got out of the habit) and my diet is all over the place but I am getting better.

[sulky toddler]
What about Evening Primrose oil? sounds very innocent?

I'm really not sure I've got much weight to lose. I've got body issues (doesn't everyone!) but everyone tells me my weight is fine. I'm about 5ft 5inches and weigh about 9.5 stone. I was about 9 stone when I conceived DS but I was miserable and obsessed with the GI diet and people told me I looked gaunt!
I'm doing GI again but just to get healthy really. I'm not gonna follow it to the T.
Metformin sounds interesting, I'll be noting that down for the doc.
I've looked for CM but never really had an egg white appearance. Similar but cloudy.

I know you're right Attila I suppose I just wanna be a 'normal' temp/ov taker like everyone else. Just seems to be a great way to pin point ovulation - if you're 'normal' I think I'll have a go at temping for next cycle then, if it doesn't look good, I'll stop. I just wanna try.
God, you lot have had it so bad compared to me and I'm moaning! I don't know how you cope!

Fruitloop - the CM needs is the v stretchy stuff. As good a sign of ovulation you'll ever get and well worth looking for!

Hi fruitloop

EPO is fine!.

If you get tired of GI, GL (glycaemic load) may be worth looking into.

Metformin can be helpful as well if there is insulin resistance (some but not all PCOSers are insulin resistant). Have also heard of good things re clomid/metformin combined but have never used either (I was not able to take clomid anyway due to my very high LH levels).

BTW I also became pg post ovarian diathermy. Something else worth considering as an option.

hi all!

just thought i'd drop in and tell you about me!

never had a period till i was 23... dr's said not much chance of babies without help! it took a while to get ds1 - 18 months and a miscarriage.... we had to indulge every 2 days of cycles that lasted forever.... ironically though ds2 was conceived the one and only night we forgot the condom!!

i was a healthier weight with ds2 (as in i wasn't underweight... which i previously had been after dieting and losing 6 stone to help... i just went a bit ott!)

so good luck ttc and lose weight!

Attila: I can't believe you aren't in the medical field. I am seriously impressed!!! It's great having you on this thread. I hope you can help me to.

Fruitloop: Hun, relax! I think it's you stressing yourself out about herbal meds and your friends around you who are getting pregnant, that is totally stressing you out! At the end of the day, you and I and several other mums with PCOS on this thread have been blessed with at least one child. Their people like my best friend who are without child after trying for 11 years!. We will get pregnant! Only if we stay positive. Lets help each other and we will get there.

Ok lecture over I hope you don't mind. I am not telling you off, I am just trying to shake you a little and make you think about the wonderful things you have in your life .

xxx

Thanks Attila I'll look up GL. What's ovarian diathermy? Is that an operation?

llareggub I don't think I've ever found EWCM that's not cloudy. Everyone else seems to go on about it being clear. I've been checking for a couple of months and also getting it confused with DP's little boys the following day iyswim (that is clear and stretchy and egg whitey)

Moonlit no of course I don't mind a little reality check now and again . I know how lucky I am to have a wonderful DS and loving DP. I tell myself everyday how fortunate I am to have 1 DS when a lot of people have none and don't ever have the opportunity to have any . I feel for these people I really do.
I'm hoping as I only found out on Monday, I will just get used to it. Even though I always knew I had it, finding out officially was still quite a shock - I was hoping I was being a hypercondriac with symptoms and to find nothing wrong!
It's getting easier though. I'm just quite adamant to find out when I ovulate! so at least I can give it a go at the right time!

Ovarian diathermie is what I had, but I called it ovarian drilling. It is an op, done under a general. I think it stimulates ovulation in 60% of women and it most definitely worked for me!

I don't ovulate every cycle but when I do it corresponds with me following a healthy low GI diet, not being too stressed, that sort of thing. Don't panic, PCOS isn't the end of the world and it can be treated. Try and get yourself some metformin, that really helps as well.

Hi fruitloop

Ovarian diathermy (or laparoscopic ovarian diathermy to give it its proper name) is an operation done under general anaesthesia. Its keyhole surgery so there's no scarring. What the surgeon does is basically punctures the cystic follicles on the ovaries using an electrical needle or laser. I had this operation and it was successful in my case in that I became pg two months post op (I even had one 28 day cycle for the first time ever post op - oooh!) but equally I do know of cases where this op has not worked. It is not a cure for PCOS (there is not one and the causes are not fully understood) but it is certainly another treatment option.

Re your comment:-
"I'm just quite adamant to find out when I ovulate! so at least I can give it a go at the right time!"

The best way is to have regular blood tests done to determine your hormone levels. Your gynae should be seeing you on a regular basis to monitor your test results. Predicting ovulation with other methods with PCOS is extremely difficult (actually I would say damn nigh impossible). Please do not time intercourse vigourously either, doing so can actually do more harm than good. Make love instead when you both feel like it!!!.

With best wishes

Attila x

Maybe I'll suggest this drilling thing to my GP then. I'm sure he wont go to that extreme until I've had all sorts of blood tests and treatments. llareggub and Attila How long after your diagnosis did you have the surgery?

I've got an appointment to see a GP on Monday morning. My GP is away all month so gotta see someone else.
Do I ask him to refer me to a specialist/gynae?

"Make love instead when you both feel like it!!!."
It's funny you should say that Attila cos DS was conceived when I least expected!

I feel much more relaxed about it all today. I started temping this morning. I'm not expecting anything exciting to happen but was just curious about it so gonna do it for a month like you said Attila. I'm sure you're right about the "rocky mountains"!

I sound so self-absorbed! how is everyone today? Are your diets going well?

Hi Fruitloop

In my case this was suggested after several months of continual visits to the subfertility treatment for both blood tests and ultrasounds (I was there nearly every week during those months).

The gynae was going to start me on injectible drugs first off but as the funding for that took an age to come through he instead suggested this surgery.

You can ask the other GP to refer you. Would not actually think the GP would know much if anything about diathermy surgery.

I was diagnosed years ago, long before I ever thought of children. I had some unexplained tummy pains, together with various other issues. A very (I now think) enlightened GP diagnosed me following sight of my scan and gave me metformin. This would be approximately 10 or so years ago.

I started TTC in 2004 and had the op in 2006. I was referred for treatment in 2005 and went through things such as the blood tests, HyCoSy, weight loss etc. I conceived the following month after the diathermie.

Hi Attila,

I was wondering if you know the link between weight and PCOS. I have regular periods but have PCOS. I asked my GP the other day, and she didn't tell me anything that was helpful. When I got pregnant with my DD I was 60 kg, I now weigh 80kg. I am taking Metformin. I know my weight has worsened my acne and other symptoms, but how is it affecting my cycles, if I am having regular periods?

I am having a rubbish day today. So some helpful advice would be appreciated.

x

There is a connection between weight increase and PCOS. Following the low GI diet, metformin and exercise will shift it. My consultant tells me it is possible to lose weight, but it does take a combination of the three things I referred to.

Many PCOS women have most of their weight around their waists/tummies. Is this true of you? From the back I don't look big really.

I have never been on meds but diet and exercise generalyy do it for me.
my weight is indeed in the middle which puts me at risk for diabetes and herat disease - lovely

am thinking all the changes now must be permanent and important even after kids and as I near 40

but first I want another baby - pretty please and no more miscarriages please

I carry weight on my thighs, and love handles when overweight. I wish my chest would gain weight!

sfxmum - see my earlier post re metformin reducing miscarriage if continued through pregnancy.

thanks llureggub was discussing this with dh last night and am leaning towards making an appointment to see the GP. am cincerned about the side effects and would have to be convinced of the benefits outweighting them.
must do some research

.

Hi Moonlit,

Am sorry to read you've had a rubbish day today.

PCOS may not be affecting your menstrual cycle but you have no way of knowing whether you're actually ovulating or not, it is quite possible to have periods without ovulating. As you are no doubt aware PCOS is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it in different ways.

Some women with PCOS also have insulin resistance and this problem exacerbates the underlying problem with weight gain. Collett e Harris's publications give more information. It takes a long time to shift excess pounds, I am overweight for my height and PCOS is a factor in this. I think I read somewhere that many PCOSers are apple shaped and carry weight around their waist and stomach areas.

Yep all my weight is around my waist.

The other day someone asked me when was I due? I was mortified. People have such big mouthes.

I need to loose 20kg. It's going to take me ages isn't it? I have never done the low GI diet.

sfxmum - my GP knows very little about metformin and it still isn't licensed for PCOS. My consultant prescribed it to me during my pregnancy and monitored me throughout. I saw her every 3 weeks or so and had blood tests. The GP wanted a letter from my consultant before giving me a repeat prescription.

I did however read the research. My consultant gave me a balanced set of papers to read and left the decision to me.

Thanks llareggub that is very helpful, I did read about it in Colette Harris book and thought it would be a viable route along with Clomid.
we shall see

I think I've just ordered Colette Harris' book . I got a bit excited on Amazon 1 click and bought so many books about PCOS I don't know what's coming! It'll be a lovely surprise when my packages arrive (I love getting parcels in the post )

How's everyone today? I'm trying to down lots of water to fill my empty stomach before lunch. Weird cos I'm now bloated but still hungry. Got my soup again today. Think I'll cheat just a little at the weekend cos I've got to go to a surprise b'day party on Sunday. It's good to cheat now and again though, gives me something to loo