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Original poster

PCOS and hCG Levels

81 replies

Clwc · 23/04/2009 16:11

Hello all,

Apologies if this has been discussed previously.

I have been reading more and more about a link between PCOS and difficult to detect hCG levels during early pregnancy, making HPTs almost useless for many weeks.

Having been diagnosed with PCOS and hypothyroidism, I was once told, by a doctor, that different hormone disorders often go hand in hand. If that is the case, could it be that, even if a PCOS 'sufferer' were to become pregnant, not enough hCG would be produced to keep the pregnancy? Or has my thinking/knowledge gone to pot?

Does anyone have any thoughts on (1) the use of HPTs with PCOS and (2) the production of hCG when affected by PCOS?

That was long and my head's spinning. Hope I didn't just cure your insomnia!

xx

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Loftygal · 20/09/2022 11:57

Hi girls so glad I found this!
So I'm having IVF and had an embryo transfer 13 days ago. They tell you to take a test 2 week after having the embryo put in (which is tomorrow).
I've been diagnosed with PCOS and I had a very faint positive 6 days after the embryo transfer. Since then I've been taking a PG pregnancy test every day at the same time to see the line progression, the line darkness (hcg levels) should be doubling every 24-28 hours but mine are progressing PAINFULLY slowly, definitely not doubling but getting slighty darker everyday, hence why I looked this up!
I have to let the clinic know tomorrow and they will book me in for a early scan. I'll let you know ASAP on what happens! BELOW IS MY LINE PROGRESSION, IF YOU LOOK ONLINE FOR A HEALTHY LINE PROGRESSION YOU WILL SEE MINE US CONSIDERABLY SLOWER!

PCOS and hCG Levels
Bronte1234 · 04/05/2016 15:00

Also I had af in February and when af was due I did the hpts and got the faint positive so little confused please help xx

Bronte1234 · 04/05/2016 14:55

Hey can someone help me I have done several hpt and got all faint positive and went to dr and she did two and got the same result but done three blood test and all said hug level 2 and normally my level of hcg is 0 what do I do

pixiedust89 · 05/02/2013 16:22

Sorry dull ache and lower abdomen x

pixiedust89 · 05/02/2013 16:20

Hi saw your thread when trying to get some answers as have been wondering similar things, my concern is that they say that with pcos testosterone levels are higher well couldn't the mix up of hormone levels mask the levels of hcg so for example if you have an hcg level of 100 if you also have high levels of testosterone would it show up as 10 for example??
I am currently going through something like this as 4 weeks ago I took a test and it was positive but since then I have had 5 negatives, I had a blood test done and the results show as 1.2 (negative) however this is higher than my normal 0.something and the nurse also said everything else is elevated, I don't know what she means by everything else though. A couple of docs have said that it's an early miscarriage but no one can explain the lack of bleeding - there has not been a single drop which in itself is nothing unusual as my "cycle" varies from 2 weeks to 12 months! But put it with everything else, nausea, sore swollen boobs, full ache is lover abdomen, back ache, cravings for certain foods and certain smells making me want to vomit, then it screams pregnancy. The nurse is saying I'm not pregnant yet she still wants to see me for am internal and send me for a scan anyway. I just can't get over the BFP and yet no bleed?? Any thoughts from anyone would be really great x

Josie123 · 30/07/2009 22:54

Hope you see this clwc!

Haven't been on here for ages and just looked for this thread.

I didn't ov on Clomid last month - progesterone was 4 on CD42 and AF started on CD52 so I am now CD10 of a new cycle and have taken my last Clomid. Just waiting yet again. I had reflexology last time so am trying to get booked in for some more but that won't be for a couple of weeks.

Not too bothered at the minute, just enjoying the summer hols with DS doing lots of things I wouldn't be able to do easily if I were pg or had a baby (bowling/ice skating/lots of days out) enjoying our freedom.

Hope you are well, keep in touch.

Sorry for the name change, don't like to have same name too long! Bit paranoid!

XXX

Original poster
Clwc · 04/07/2009 01:10

Sorry, the thread disappeared off my radar.
So, Josie123 = SockThing?
Did you ovulate this month?
My period started last Saturday. I'm hpoing it'll stop soon. I miss the BDing!

OP posts:
Josie123 · 23/06/2009 21:10

I am sock thing!

Ahh that's a bit of a let down, your appointment being pushed back. I know how you feel on the waiting waiting waiting. I can't imagine what it feels like to have a proper cycle and be able to track ovulation and know when you are due to come on AF, it would be fab!

I am CD27 today but not waiting for AF! Hoping to OV at some point. Wishful thinking! We both need to just keep BDing and waiting! Combined with my low HCG levels I will be 14 weeks before I know it again I bet!!! I want to know nice and early next time!

Keep in touch!

Original poster
Clwc · 18/06/2009 23:05

Hello SockThing

Long time no see. I'm OK. I'm approximately CD 40 now. Had some spotting yesterday, nothing today, feel out of sorts, numerous BFNs, still no proper period. Don't think I ov'd last month. My cons appointment has been pushed back from the 3rd to the 31st July. So I guess I'm just waiting for things to get going. x x x x

OP posts:
SockThing · 17/06/2009 18:12

Hi
Mowmi, I was reading your post and hoping you were going to say things turned out well, I am so pleased you had a positive scan and I hope everything progresses as it should and you have a happy & healthy 9 months! I am so envious of ladies who have a "cycle" and can test on a certain date and get a +ve or -ve and know for sure!

I had my scan today to see what is going on inside me and (bearing in mind I am on CD21 of a 50mg Clomid cycle) there wasn't much activity! The sonographer said by CD21 on a "normal" 28 day cycle she would expect to see the collapsed follicle where the egg had been released last week but she could only see lots of small follicles - immature eggs I guess. She said there is no dominant follicle ripening to ovulate either

Feel quite down now after the elation of having AF on my own and taking Clomid.

I am going to carry on BDing 2-3 times a week and try not to obsess as I know I am not going to ov in the next week or so so there is no pressure. Then wait for next AF I guess. It has happened for me before and I know I ov'd late on then (about day 35 I think) so I have to just hope I am a late ov'er - if there is such a thing!

How are things with you clwc?

X

Original poster
Clwc · 17/06/2009 12:17

Bump

OP posts:
Original poster
Clwc · 06/06/2009 15:55

Thank-you for 'stumbling', mowmi

It sounds as though you have been through a heck of a lot to get to where you are now. Congratulations on your BFP!

GPs are difficult creatures. I explained to one GP that I would like to be prescribed Met. She said I'd have to get it from the FC, but also that you shouldn't take it when pg. I told her that I didn't agree because Met helps with progesterone levels, or something. I just wish I could speak to someone who knows what they're talking about, and also takes me seriously.

Take care xx

OP posts:
mowmi · 06/06/2009 13:29

Hello Ladies, Just stumbled on your thread by accident - what you are talking about makes sense to me...

I'll try to be brief....!

diagnosed pcos after ttc for about a year (knew something was wrong because my cycles were so long - sometimes 70 days +)
Was put on Metformin and sent down the IVF route because of DP's slightly low normality sperm count.
Not long after this DH was diagnosed with testicular cancer so IVF was put on hold.
In the meantime I did Metformin and accupunture and within a few months cycles settled down to 36 days and I got EWCM every month which I know isn't conclusive but a fairly good indication of ovulation?
DH's treatment included chemo which gave him 50/50 chance of infertility so we carried on down down the IVF route with frozen sperm.
We had 2 attempts - first didn't work, 2nd did but had a really slow hcg rise which ended up in mc at 8 weeks (never progressed past gestational sac)
Through all this carried on with metformin (cycles kept stable at 36 days bar a little blip after mc)
A couple of weeks ago we were due to make an appointment to see if the chemo had effected DH's fertiltity further when I felt aware of tingling in my boobs... did a test and to my massive surprise I was pregnant!!
I haven't had my hcg measured but I've been using the cb conception indicators tests and It seems to be climbing as it should?
Had a scan at what I thought was dead on 6 weeks only to see another empty sac (throughly devastated at the prospect of exactly the same thing happening again!)
On thursday I begged my GP to get me in to the EPAU unit so they could confirm mc and help me sort it out... to my total shock and delight was a little yolk sac, baby and heartbeat - que tears! My dates were 4 days out and that made all the difference.
I'm still worried that pcos puts me at increased risk of mc but I feel that the odds of that have slipped at least a little.
Going to carry on with the metformin until 3 months and hope it helps keep this bean sticky!!

I wish you lots of luck in your quests x

Original poster
Clwc · 01/06/2009 22:14

Ah. I see.

I've read that Met should be introduced gradually, e.g. 250mg each day for the first week, 500 for the second, etc. Then the side effects aren't as severe. I'd like to be on it, in case I do fall pg, so that I have a better chance of producing the required hCG to carry the pg to term, rather than m/c-ing in the first few weeks.

I don't suffer with bad acne, but being overweight from insulin resistance has caused a few skin complaints that I'm none too proud of. My cycles have been regular for the past few years, in that I get PMT every month, I want to 'do the deed' at certain times every month, and I have a couple of extra spots just before AF time... But AF often doesn't come. Everything but the actual period. It's weird. And it has been the same since puberty; before I started to gain weight.

OP posts:
SockThing · 01/06/2009 21:30

Ah no, the u/s was because I hadn't had AF since starting Met so it was just a look inside IYSWIM. It has coincided with being CD21 thats all. The only monitoring on Clomid I am having is the CD21 blood test.

I've never had the progesterone before and didn't really want to take it so I am so chuffed I didn't need to. Last time I had cycles of 50ish days on Met alone.

I have lost a bit of weight through Met, mainly loss of appetite rather than the dreaded "met" belly. I haven't had bad side effects on it although I am not overweight, thats not one of my PCOS symptoms - its acne and no AF for me!!

I hope they give you Met, its brilliant.

Original poster
Clwc · 01/06/2009 21:08

Nice one! Did you always have to take Norethoojamawotsit progesterone before?

I wasn't monitored whilst on Clomid. It's strange that you're getting such a late u/s scan. They're normally for monitoring follicle size pre-ov. Then the CD21 bloods are to see if you have already ov'd. Hm.

Have you lost weight on Metformin? I'm hoping I will... That is, if they let me have it

OP posts:
SockThing · 01/06/2009 19:36

Hi

I love Metformin! After 114 days I had AF without having to use the Norethisterone! So I am now CD5 and on day 4 of Clomid eeek!

Having u/s scan on 17 June which will be CD21 (originally booked to see what was going on with my ovaries, maybe will hopefully tell me if I am going to ov?) and CD21 blood test same day.

Just thought I would let you know as I am so chuffed I didn't have to take the Norethisterone.

x

Original poster
Clwc · 26/05/2009 01:06

Great news, Suzi

Best of luck with Clomid. I hope it works for you really quickly. xx

OP posts:
SuziBhoy · 25/05/2009 14:33

well ladies, had my appointment today and i will be getting the clomid treatment.... got to go to a fertility clinic for another few tests first, so hopefully i will get started soon

it feels good when you know somethings getting done!!

how is everyone?

SuziBhoy · 22/05/2009 15:04

thanks ladies

your so right about being persistent butterfly, i dont know how many times ive argued with the doctors to do more tests... and the hospital and gp keep passing me about. sometimes you think they cant be bothered.

cant believe they never monitored you Clwc, that must have been frustrating. thanks for the advice

Original poster
Clwc · 21/05/2009 22:39

And last, but not least... Nice to see you back, SockThing xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Clwc · 21/05/2009 22:37

Hello Tigress

Did your consultant mean OPKs when s/he said 'pee sticks'? I have read many times that PCOS throws OPKs off, especially if you are taking Clomid, but some women claim that they still work for them. I think a lot of this TTC malarkey is pot luck, especially for us PCOSers

If s/he meant HPTs, then it's interesting to hear someone in the profession who actually knows PCOS a bit more in-depth than most. Have you tried a HPT yet? xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Clwc · 21/05/2009 22:31

Welcome Suzi
I'm glad you found us

Clomid isn't the main treatment for PCOS. Its aim is to induce ovulation in anovulatory (not ovulating) patients. I have taken Clomid, but wasn't monitored. It was prescribed to me by my GP, although she shouldn't have because the surgery doesn't have the resources to monitor me properly. At the very minimum, I should have had a blood test at CD 21 to see if Clomid had worked (ie I'd ovulated). Most girls have earlier scans as well, to see if any follicles are ready to pop. Whatever happens, make sure you are going to be monitored!!

I'm sure I did ovulate the first month, and I believe I was pg (could also have been Clomid side-effects). However, HPTs didn't indicate pregnancy, so I began the second cycle when I started what I though was AF.

It works for a great many women, and I wish you luck, should you be prescribed it.

If you need more info about it, there are a number of great threads on mumsnet dedicated to ladies TTC with Clomid. xx

OP posts:
butterfly74 · 21/05/2009 21:27

Hi All

Seems like we all have a lot in common with the flippin PCOS!

Thanks for all the tips and information. My GP did the blood tests but never followed it all up so I feel more prepared to go and chat to her about all this. My consultant did a laproscopy and said I had PCOS but discharged me from her list and sent me back to the GP. Its very frustrating.

Very interesting about the wee sticks thing though. The time I think I had an early MC nothing showed on the wee sticks even though I felt convinced I was PG. I remember how I felt the previous times I had been and it was exactly the same. I guess the hormone thing could well be true.

Good luck for Monday SuziBhoy Don't let them fob you off. I wish I'd been more
persistent now.

Take care all. Good to read these posts and know I'm not alone

Tigresswoods · 21/05/2009 16:48

Hello Suzibhoy et al, its been good to rad this thread for me. I have PCOS and am in my 2nd cycle with Clomid. 28, TTC for 18 months, PCOS symptoms varied but certainly not over weight.

I am on CD 30 or a usually 30-33 day cycle so getting my hopes up at this point. Clomid has been great for me as my consultant doesn't believe I was ovulating before and clearly now that I am (confirmed in recent blood test) that gives us a lot better chance of conception.

One thing my consultant did advise against was pee sticks, said they were rubbish and not to bother if you have PCOS so we might be back to the beginning of this thread again and hormone imbalance!

Good luck to all!