OVUSENSE (ovucore) thread 2

Hey gals...

@theblueflowers stick at it with the metaformin, it takes a little while but I went from CD of 45-70 to a solid 31/32 after long term use. I started it again last month too so I feel your pain, but if ovusense is right I ovulated CD 21 which is okkkkaaaay. Hoping with the myo-insotol it will only reduce! When I took the both together I got pregnant so hoping it will happen again!
Metaformin isn't a magic drug but if you eat well and exercise then it's pretty good. I'm VERY insulin resistant, I don't need tests to tell me that ha, I look at a white carb and put on a stone. I'm not overweight but my BMI hovers towards 24/25 which is getting there and I was at my slimmest on metaformin - but it also does plateau. I'm really only back on it for fertility as it helps me ovulate consistently.

@RMS0209 totally agree with all that blue mountains said above. Not sure what is next if we are ovulating. My sister is a doc (not fertility sadly!) and lives and works in Scotland and said Clomid is the first line of defence there... But I would probably imagine we should skip to IUI if we are ovulating rather than straight to IVF? I think that's my longer term plan first... although DH says "if it's meant to be, it's meant to be' and isn't overly into IVF etc which I find quite difficult.

I think what we both need to recognise is that whilst it's been 6 months since MC, we ovulated and got pregnant, and are ovulating still. It feels awful and like ages, but medically speaking, most docs have said to me that that is overall a good sign. I know it feels so hopeless and all consuming, but I'm trying to remind myself of that.
How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

@RMS0209
So from my understanding, metaformin isn't actually a fertility drug, it's given to people with type 2 diabetes as it controls levels of insulin in the body. As women with PCOS also have insulin issues, it was found that it could also help to improve ovulation, as high insulin means high testosterone which impedes ovulation. I don't think it is directly related to ovulation, just more frequent ovulation is a bonus through being on it.

It seems to only work for women who are insulin resistant which I'm guessing you can get tested for. I'm pretty sure not everyone with PCOS is insulin resistant. I was never tested for this so I'm not even sure it's actually going to help. I also have a normal BMI which means it will probably be less effective.

I have no idea about clomid I'm afraid! I have always seen clomid as the 'next level up' in terms of treatment.

@theblueflowers
Boo, I ovulated cycle day 25 last month and I'm debating if it was 25 or 26 this month.

Nothing better than constantly feeling nauseous huh!

So can I be silly? What does the metaformin do? I feel ridiculous asking and I'm sorry but I just think I need to know what I'm saying to the dr at gp when I call back, I don't know how I deal with it all.

What's the difference between... Metaformin/Clomid & that Letrzole I think it's called? X

@RMS0209 oh and I'm on CD24 so it has been a slog! Metaformin has not really helped at all this cycle as my previous cycle I ovulated CD29. It just makes me feel nauseous 24/7 so that's fun.

Really hoping I do ovulate very soon, as we are due to reach temps of 30 degrees here, and I am dreading the thought of BDing in that heat 😂

@RMS0209 that sounds like a great list!

The only addition I have is alpha lipoic acid which is something that I read about in 'It Starts With the Egg' as it supposedly helps with egg quality and after two miscarriages I'm giving them all the help!

Saying all of this, I mentioned my list of supplements to my consultant and he basically dismissed them all, as well as any dietary changes which was a bit disheartening. It helps me believe that I'm doing everything I can, so I'm going to plod on.

Hi @theblueflowers we must have just crossed paths and wrote at the same time.
what cycle day are you? that's a great score for OPK! everything crossed for you

If you find the secret of how to chill out... please do?

I'm glad to hear you are on the same thing's, I have ordered the Zita West Inositol & Folate so that along with my other supplements should hopefully help!

How does this sound..

Zita West Inositol & Folate
Folic Acid (boots own brand)
Coq10 (costco own brand)
and my vitamin B,D & iron supplements? x

@MO22 through my many Google searches, I have read of people getting BFPs on as low as 0.5, so it can be possible! You can't deny that good rise that you have, so it looks like ovulation has occurred.

I got a 1.5 on my OPK this morning, so I am really hoping that this means I'll be ovulating soon. I'm on day 9 of high readings! It's never got above 1 though so I'm taking this as a good thing. Yesterday's temp was the lowest I've ever had, so hopefully this is my dip before ovulation, but I have no signs of fertile CM, which I normally get, so I have no idea!

Ugh, I just want to chill out about it!

@RMS0209 I am on pretty much the same supplements as mentioned by @MO22 in her really helpful post. I can't even remember what a lot of them are for now! I totally get the feeling of being overwhelmed by it all. There is so much conflicting information out there as well, it's hard to know what's actually going to help.

Hi @MO22
Chart looks good I forgot to say that, hopefully tomorrow you get conformation of ovulation
I'm so glad that is you finally in the system now.
I am going to push once I get my results on the 4th and have my proper chat with the consultant and see what they say/think

WOW, that was my exact same wonder/multiple google searches aswell.. I have heard great things about Clomid etc but if we are ovulating (which we've had confirmed) (well I did for last month atleast) then would they give us it? who knows.. part of me thinks do I just bite the bullet and try IVF (which I know will have a long wait line) or do I try push for medicated IUI i'm just really not sure.
What are you thinking? x

@Moosh18 @theblueflowers thank you, I seem to think it was like 4/5 DPO last month but couldnt quite remember. I'm just a bit confused as the highest OPK I got was 0.7 and classed as low, and then it went back again to like 0.3. not sure why I insist on using them when every doctor I speak to says not to bother with PCOS ha... I had some alcohol on sat but hopefully that just enhanced the spike!

How are you both doing?

@RMS0209 you are more than welcome, I am just in the same boat as you and trying to muddle through with conflicting information and doc appts. I think i'm officially in the system with the NHS now on "being checked out", had bloods Friday and been referred to NHS gynae to have a hysteroscopy I think because womb lining was a bit thick. Not sure what's next after that tho as if I am ovulating they won't do ovulating inducing drugs will they?

Hope you are feeling a bit better today, what CD are you now? x

@MO22 it can take up to 5 days. I think you'll get your confirmation tomorrow, as your rolling average line hasn't caught up yet and it will follow that big jump that you got.

Your chart looks really good! I would definitely say that you have ovulated, unless you were unwell or had a fair bit of alcohol to cause that spike.

@MO22 Morning!
Sorry I was feeling a bit deflated with it all yesterday so took some time out - but i'm back today.
I just want to thank you so much for sending all that info through, I really do appreciate it, it's so nice to have people that can help because I just feel very lost right now. x

I think it's four days?? @MO22

Morning all, can someone remind me how long it takes to confirm ovulation? I can't remember from last cycle and wondering if maybe I havent ovulated when I thought I did as OPKs never got high...

itstartswiththeegg.com/supplements/ here you go

@RMS0209 so I have to caveat I am no doctor and have confirmed PCOS and a thyroid issue, but I take the below (brace yourself lol)

• metaformin 1000g (used to take 1500g) but I've been off it for 6 months as was recommended to do so when pregnant which my private gynae disagreed with and told me to go back on. It a diabetic drug that helps in some cases manage the insulin sensitivity with PCOS. I find you usually need to ask GPs for it as they won't necessarily know about its link with PCOS because hey, it's a woman's problem, why should we research and learn about it (not all Doc's obviously, i'm just a bit salty ha)
• myova myoplus - Myo insitol, folate (take this instead of folic acid) and chronium. Myo insitol is as (if not more) effective for PCOS than metaformin, the first month I took both was when I got pregnant last year... Anedotal maybe but you never know 👀)
• standard omega3, vitamin d, e and c from Tesco, I'm on and off with vitamin b as I want my luteal phase longer but worry it makes my cycle longer overall, so usually on try and take it post ovulation
• I get ubiquinol (which is the pure form of coq10) from Amazon, it's spenny, and then also NAC, alpha lipoic acid and got melatonin from some recommended website - look up it starts with the egg website and they have links there.

Phew, essay! Obviously do get diagnosed with PCOS first!
You said you were worried about the results re your ovaries, did they say anything specific? What else did they test?

Morning @MO22

Thank you, I'm glad it's over... I thought I'd feel a sense more I don't know what the word I'm looking for is, but I do feel a bit calmer now.

Yay for DH wanting to DTD... love this! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 really hope it was, and as we say... it only takes one. Your chart is looking great too.

Yes defiantly, I will be making a list of notes/questions for the 4th and hopefully get some answers.

I think I just gave myself a fear and thought great here's something else to hold us back.. can never win.

Thanks so much for sending that snippet through, could you give me the names of the things you are taking is that ok? X

Sorry that was an essay!

@RMS0209 morning, hope yesterday was as manageable as possible and you are feeling ok.

DH finally seemed up for DTD last night (twice...will wonders never cease?!) so I'm praying that yesterday was day of ovulation, looks like ovusense will confirm tomorrow. My OPKs were v odd and the highest I got to was 0.7 so thought I wasn't going to ovulate but ovusense seems think otherwise. 🤞🏼 I'd be due to get AF Wednesday and go to Glastonbury Thursday so I've just managed to scrape in if so... Hoping for a reason not to have to go, but also if I do get AF then at least it's good distraction (ugh whilst camping!)

Sounds like you'll get more detail on the 4th but I don't think having a high AMH is a problem necessarily, it just means it's a higher indicator for PCOS alongside other factors. PCOS definitely not a life sentence, it's annoying and I wish someone had told me that there does seem to be a link between higher risk of miscarriage with it, but lots of people conceive and have babies with it.

I've attached the recommended supplements for PCOS and TCC, I take most of these, and read It starts with the egg (this is from there) which made me feel like I was taking active steps to improve everything.

@MO22
Sorry wow never noticed how much I wrote... was away on a rant haha.
So yes private fertility clinic consultation is 4th July BUT I'm getting my OH a sperm analysis next Thursday (lucky him lol) so we will get the results all in one.
I know it wasn't the cheapest feel like I've paid just for extra stress for a few weeks 😂🫠

Ok I will bear that in mind for my GP
It was a nurse that scanned me she said "have you been diagnosed with PCOS or anything before" and I said "no" and she said "ok" then said my follicle reserve was above average for my age and that it looked good... how wrong she was!!
No literally just speaking about it now, didn't get much from them it was worlds quickest scans and bloods.
I will be picking up my blood results from the DR next week Tuesday so I will send them to you too. He said everything looked good
Said my progesterone was 36.3 and anything above 35 is good so... hearing different info

Have a great time at your brother in laws, catch up later xx

@RMS0209 yes I remember! Ok, so consultation on the 4th with the private gynae? That's a way away, can't they see you soon! Especially if you are paying ha. also GPs are useless but you can definitely say to them give me metaformin. Did the consultant not say anything to you about your ovaries and whether they looked polycystic on the ultrasound when it was happening? Sorry if I've missed some stuff, been off Mumsnet for a bit!

I will send you a proper response a bit later, just on my way to my brother in law's 40th but I shall get my geek on for you on the train on the way home on supplements etc and some stuff to read.

Thank you both @Peonies94 @MO22
I think once today is out the way I might feel a bit more relaxed about it all... well I hope so 💗
But as you say - looking forward and having hope it will all fall into place.

@MO22 no no official diagnosis yet, so I went for my private fertility scans and bloods remember? This is just everything being uploaded onto the portal, so I have 0 idea I need to wait and not get to stressed until I have my consultation.
I think I phoned my GP yesterday for reassurance but... well didn't happen, I think I'm going to be struggling to push for metaformin or anything else that will help.
I think I was more angry that he said "I imagine you'll fall pregnant naturally" and he thought a high AMH was something that just got higher with age 😢 give me strength!! He said to call him back after my consultation on 4th July so I have time to mentally prepare for that 😂
I think dependent on what the consultant says I might look down the IVF route if the rates are good, I don't want to be in this pickle every month it's not nice.
When I get my other results I will send them to you is that ok? But a good thing is I did ovulate this cycle I had that confirmed with bloods from GP

I'd like some recommendations if you do have time I have ordered some...

Zita West Inositol and Folate
I also have COQ10 (the orange capsule from Costco) and just plain folic acid so anything else you think hit me with it.. thank goodness for Amazon 😂 I'm off to buy chia seeds and almond milk today it's meant to be good x

@RMS0209 ah a massive handhold for today. I hope you are looking after yourself. It's so hard isn't it, thinking it what could have been, but it's important to look forwards and have hope.

Have you been formally diagnosed with PCOS? To be honest, the private gynae I spoke to said the AMH was a good result and means I would react well to IVF etc if we ever went down that route. But when I googled it, it was clear it's due to PCOS... Did yours do other tests, how were those results?

I feel like I manage my PCOS pretty well so if you need any reccos of supplements.etc just shout, I'm sure you're taking a lot of them anyway.

I'm back on metaformin (saw you mentioned it @theblueflowers) and I still am only ovulating on CD 19 which is annoying, was hoping it would my cycle a bit shorter, but hey ho.

Hi @MO22

I'm so sorry to hear you are feeling low too, sending you big mums net hugs. What cycle day are you today?
It doesn't help any but least you have something to look forward to this month (I'm slightly jealous!)

My due date is today, so I'm a little sad but trying to stay semi ok, I'm here for you💗

Yeah I have been down some google rabbit holes and that's what it's looking like, bit sad but trying to hold it together.
I've ordered a book to try understand it's more and I've got a list of things to buy shopping wise - won't let this bring me down!
I have my consultation on the 4th so hopefully get a better idea then.
Tried to speak to my GP about it.. absolutely no use! Usual 😢

Stay strong xxx

@Moosh18 I am so so sorry to hear your news. Thinking of you massively. Have been through the same so if you ever need to chat, I'm here.

I had some Mumsnet time out as v low over here... Have still been tracking, I'm ovulating today but DH has covid and doesn't want to play ball and I'm meant to be at Glastonbury in two weeks so trying to give myself the month off. It's hard tho.

My due date should be next sat so just preparing myself for feeling rubbish for the next few weeks.

@RMS0209 hope you are ok. I had high AMH, my doctor was impressed but I googled it and it's common with PCOS, so have chalked it up to that.

Hope everyone else is well and lovely to hear your news @Peonies94 ❤️