Should I take Soya Isoflavones?

[GingerbreadHead]

Sorry, I know there have been a few Soy threads recently, but I am driving myself mad going back and forth on whether or not I should give them a try! I have normal, regular-ish 25-28 day cycles, with positive ovulation tests every month around CD14-17. My luteal phase is on the shorter side. I have been trying now for 17 cycles, with no luck, and am at the point where I am willing to try almost anything, but I have read that you shouldn't take them if you have regular cycles. I don't want to risk messing up my cycles and risking my chances even further, but I do wonder if they could help.....
So, what would you do, would you risk taking them or not?

Hmmm, good question. Am I right in that you don't temp? It's just that you may be getting positive OPKs but not ovulating properly... To be honest, I don't see the harm in using them for one cycle. Even if it did mess things up, it will be temporary and after a few cycles, you'd go back to 'normal'. After 17 cycles, I know what i'd do!

Good luck!

Thanks Kitty! I have tried temping, managed a month or two and it did confirm ov, but I don't wake up at the same time every day, and sometimes wake up early morning to go to the toilet, so I was struggling a bit with consistency! I think you're right, may as well give it a go and hopefully the worst that could happen is I still won't be pregnant!

I was just about to start a thread asking the same thing! I have regular cycles and temping has confirmed ovulation. I was thinking of taking the later dose to strengthen my egg(s), but I'm worried about messing my cycles up. The information out there is confusing - saying you can take them just to strengthen the egg, but that you shouldn't if you have regular cycles.
I'm only on cycle no2, but might just give them a go if i'm not successful in the next few cycles.

No they might cause more harm than good. I took them once and had my longest cycle ever (3 months!). Although I believe you're supposed to take them for a few cycles to give them a chance to work. Have you started investigations for infertility yet? Herbal Remedies and diets can be helpful but only if you know what the underlying cause of infertility is

Oh no Blanket! It's something like that happening that scares me away from them! I have started investigations, blood tests all came back normal, as did DHs SA, had an ultrasound that didn't show anything up, now just waiting on a referral to get a HSG done and to go from there. I already have a DD so there isn't really alot they can offer me. How long did you take them for? What dosage and on what days?
Frolic I am thinking of taking the later dose too and only a 100-150mg. You're right the information is confusing! They do seem pretty clear though that if your cycles seem to be fine, then don't mess with them. If I were you and only on cycle 2 I might wait another month or two to see if it hopefully happens anyway.
Hmm, still undecided! Need to decide by saturday.......

It is of course, your decision, but you have already had 17 cycles of no luck and if the worst that happens means your cycle goes out of wack for a bit, then I feel you can take that risk as you have already waited a year and a half, what is a few more months?!

If it gives you some renewed hope for a bit, then I'd go for it and I took the risk that my cycles may be negatively affected. I was ovulating, but usually around CD 17-21. Temping showed me my oestrogen was quite high at the start of the cycle. Soy brought forward my ovulation to CD14 after having the darkest OPK I have ever had at CD13. My progesterone rose so well afterwards and obviously by doing lots of DTD, I was successful first time after trying for nearly a year. 12 weeks pregnant today!

I wouldn't wish long term TTC on anyone and I do know not everything works for everyone. Sometimes, you just have to be prepared for the risk and try things anyway...

Do you think that Soy would help as my cycles vary from month to month and i don't think the past two months i have been ovulating as i have had no ewcm and pain that i had experienced a few months ago , i came off the pill in December and think my body is struggling, i

Hey girls, if you are looking for natural ways to induce ovulation, then soy isoflavone should serve the purpose. I just read, that soy isoflavone (SI) – a type of phyto-oestrogen, or plant-derived oestrogen – works similarly to the fertility drug clomiphene. Both act on oestrogen pathways in the body and can be used to manipulate the menstrual cycle. If you ovulate irregularly or not at all, this could kick-start ovulation. If your fertility problems are due to something else, the remedies won't help. So if you know, that you are ovulating regularly, I don’t think SI can do any good to you.
However, still if you decide to go ahead, ensure you take them at right time in your menstrual cycle for the proper effect. The ideal day to start is between 3 to 5 days after the start of your menstrual period. I can’t guide on dosage as there are different dosages suggested by different experts but take those at the same time of each day. Repeat the dose for 5 days. Then stop! You should not continue for more than 5 days, as this could have a negative impact on ovulation and actually delay your natural cycle.

Personally, I believe, you should speak to your doctor, before starting any supplement or dietary change.

Hi,

I've been ttc for over a year, I have regular cycles of 28ish days and I ov on cd11/12. I took soy for the first time last month, my reason for taking it was to try and improve the egg quality. I ov'd at the same time and got the strongest line on an opk that I've ever had. Unfortunately I didn't get a bfp. I've taken them again this cycle and got a +opk on cd9.
I'm currently 7dpo and driving my myself mad symptom spotting.
Maybe if you're unsure then just stick with 100mg a day(over 5 days) and see how how that works for you.