I have mild PCOS, I want to try for DC#3 I'm currently on the norimin pill. Due to very irregular AF's I have not idea when I would ovulate or what my natural cycle is...

...what should I do, should I come off the pill now (want to start trying in about 3 months time) and do the temp charting or should I use the ovulation stick tests (although I think with PCOS, even though mild(?) you aren't meant to use them?)

I was not on the pill for the first 2 DC's and got pg fairly quickly but no AF's really since birth of DS2, 2.5.

bump

I posted the same question not long ago and was told the ovulation tests aren't much use if you have PCOS (I have PCOS too) and best just to have lots of sex! I was using the coil and have no idea when I ovulate and hadn't had a period since Jan. Had the coil removed 6 weeks ago and got a positive pregnancy test this morning!

If you managed to conceive fairly quickly with your first two hopefully you might again! Good luck!

PCOS is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently.
The commonality though is the cystic follicles associated with the condition.

Would actually advise you not to either keep a temp chart or use an ovulation predictor kit (that is a particular problem with PCOS). Both are problematic to interpret accurately when PCOS is an issue. You already have a PCOS diagnosis and this time around you may well need some medical assistance to conceive.

I would suggest that you talk to your GP and go from there. He may want to do a blood test to see what your hormone levels are like now or may refer you to a subfertility unit without doing any tests.

Another thing you can yourself do is try to remain within the correct weight range for your height. Excess pounds can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Some women find that following a low GI eating plan is helpful.

If you were to come off the pill now menstruation may not return for some considerable time and is also likely to return to a very irregular state. The other thing you need to consider is that you are far more likely to be not ovulating as you have PCOS. It is quite possible to have periods without ovulating.

Verity's website is also good to read and has lots of information re PCOS - its www.verity-pcos.org.uk.

HTH a bit and good luck. Seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

Attila

I haven't got PCOS but have been ttc for 4 years have ds age7. I read a book by Zita West (i think) about ttc and it tells you about body changes ie mucus (sorry bit gross. It changes consistancy throughout your cycle and is very runny about the time you ovulate. I don't know if you get these changes with PCOS, but it might be worth reading up. Constant sex loses its appeal!

Dear lulabelle - I don't have PCOS and I found the ovulation tests rubbish. Temp. charting a good idea as it will give you some indication of any pattern of ovulation to use in future months when trying and perhaps confidence that it's likely you are ovulating and period of luteal phase. Even if irregular cycles, you may find that it Ov will happen in a particular week/fortnight after AF, so you can target that for extra bedroom gymnastics/strategic romantic holidays.

I wouldn't use charting to follow your cycle, see a slight dip and then be pressured to perform in that 24hrs. Have been there and it is stressful - not great for making babies for me, although I'm sure it works for some.

Lots of luck xx

thanks all for your advice, it is very much appreciated!!

Big congrats to you iwouldgoouttonight, thats great news

I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years ago and would certainly agree with MLM's second paragraph.

The problem with temp charting for PCOSers is that you will likely end up with a chart akin to the Rocky Mountains. That will be extremely difficult to interpret as a result. Many gynaes take no notice of such charts anyway primarily because they are not reliable indicators.

Also you can have a rise in temp in the second half of your cycle when an egg has not actually been shed.

Would speak to your GP in the first instance and see if a blood test can be done. Blood tests can be done according to calendar days - you do not have to wait for AF. You need to establish what your hormone levels are like now.

this may sound a daft question but does the pill work by stopping you ovulating? or do you still ovulate?

will make appointment with GP asap. x

The pill works by stopping ovulation.

What it can often do as well is mask the symptoms of any underlying problem.