Is there anything I can do or take to make me ovulate?

[LostMarbles99]

I've made a GP's appointment to discuss this but they can't see me until the end of the month.

I have one ds (7 months) and we would love another dc. I've had one period back in May but nothing since. I've done a pg test but it's negative (done quite a few actually!!)

Anyway in advance of the GP appointment, i would like to know what she will say - is there anything I can take/they will prescribeto stimulate ovulation? The home ov sticks show as negative when I test, so it looks like I may not be ovulating and v long and irregular periods/cycles. I have always been like this and it never really was an issue - it was a total surprise to get pg with ds1 so haven't been in tune with my cycles etc.

Can they do anything? I'm 35 and a bit worried.

Clomid?

Agnus Castus? Herbal supplement.

well, I had a 'gong bath' which is a bit new age hippy but it was a present from someone- it vibrates your whole body, and i swear i felt one of my ovaries 'pop'. Next bout of ttc, i was pregnant. A little bit woo i grant you but hey, don't knock it til you try it.

7 months isn't all that long after having a baby. You don't say but if you're breastfeeding then it's no surprise at all that you're periods aren't right yet. It took 7/8 months for my periods to return after each child and that coincided with stopping breastfeeding.

Also, having a child or a pregnancy does mess with your cycle.

I would leave it until you're a few months further away from child number 1 and then go and see a Dr. In the mewntime try and keep track of whatever cycles you do have so that you have something to show them when you see them.

My menstrual history is actually very similar to yours and in my case PCOS was to blame.

You are wise to be seeing the GP now given your previous absent menstrual history as well. A common cause of long standing absent periods is a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and its actually quite common. Around 1 in 5 women have polycystic ovaries. Another possible cause is problems with the thyroid gland.

Both of these can be looked for through blood tests, you need a diagnosis first and foremost. As your cycles are irregular they can do blood tests according to calendar days. You certainly need a day 2 test done to check and compare your LH level against that of your FSH level. If these are out of sync then ovulation is affected.

Its a waste of time to be using OPKs in such circs so would stop using these as of now.

Would avoid self medicating with Agnus Castus as this can make the underlying hormonal problems worse. If you did want to try it (and I would get blood tests done via the GP first off) use the advice of a properly qualified medical herbalist re dosage.

I do not think that GPs can prescribe clomid these days and ideally this should be done under the supervision of a gynae consultant. Its actually quite powerful stuff and GPs do not have the time to monitor you properly. Monitoring is essential is clomid is prescribed, no monitoring means that you have no idea whether its doing the job its supposed to be doing. Clomid's main job is to make the ovaries work harder.

I agree with Attila, I wouldn't go for Clomid. Start with something natural, Agnus Castus seems effective, and it's natural, so why not give it a try

I take agnus castus and, since I've been taking it regularly, my cycles have settled down a lot. Mind, my situation is a lot different from years: younger, no children, no PCOS. But I can vouch that it helps! I'm also having accupuncture - it's a bit of an expensive habit , but I'm hoping it will help.