TTC with PCOS

[jenp1982]

Hi

I am not only new to Mumsnet but new to TTC. Finally taking the exciting, yet super scary, step and trying for a baby.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18, now 32 and 18 is just a distant memory!... anyway... so I was on the pill for most of this time but we decided to come off it about 2 years ago to give my body a chance to regulate its periods (use alternative protection), which it did... amazingly! We have now decided to start trying for a baby, 5 days ago to be exact, and are really hopeful that I will fall pregnant naturally.

I was wondering if there is anyone out there either new to TTC, has PCOS and TTC or is a Mum with PCOS that can offer advice or just chat about things concerning them. Be great to hear from people in the same boat.

Thanks in advance.

Jen

Hi Jen

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 15 now 33. Just finished my last pill this week.

www.mumsnet.com/conception/pcos-and-pregnancy

I'm taking pre-natal vits, extra folic acid as pre-natal isn't high enough, Omega-3 fatty acids high in DHA and 2mg of Inositol.

examine.com/supplements/Inositol/

If I don't conceive 1st cycle then I will start Soy Isoflavones on CD 3-7 100mg-150mg.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/conception/2206677-soy-isoflavones-yes-or-no

Hi Jen,

I am new to this forum too. Only posted my first post 30 min ago! So I will recap it here too!

I'm 24 years old and my partner and I have been trying to conceive since August 2013 (16 months). After a year I was diagnosed with PCOS. This completely changed my life knowing this. This explained my whole life up to that day the doctor told me this. I never even knew about PCOS until we started trying to conceive. I wish someone would have looked into this and diagnosed me earlier (as I had signs) but no doctor tested or concluded this when I was younger. Apparently because PCOS is hard to miss until you try to conceive. But enough about that.

After being diagnosed with PCOS in August I had a scan - which confirmed of course that yes, I had Polycystic Ovaries. I also started on Metformin to help me with my weight (which has helped me lose 5KG). After I stopped the pill in August 2013 I gained about 10KG so, I've lost about half. I had only 2 periods in 12 months, but after Metformin I have had it each month but longer cycles.

I had an appointment with a fertility specialist in late November who did another scan to confirm once again that it was polycystic ovaries and also found a dermoid cyst (2.2cm). She said although I had periods she was not sure if I ovulated. She provided me with Clomid and now I am patiently waiting for my period to start - although I am currently coming up on week 6 since my last one.

This has been such an emotionally roller coaster as you can imagine and I thought writing on this forum might give me some support and for others to share their experience with Clomid and TTC with PCOS.

We are getting married Summer 16, so I would really like if we had a baby before then - but at this stage I would just be happy if if happens at all.

Hi

Thank you for the message. In a way its nice to know there are others out there who have the battles we have, the worries and concerns. Doesn't make it easier but gives us hope.

You do sound like you have had one hell of a journey and TTC for 16 months must be so stressful. I could not imagine going through that at 24, you do sound like you are coping well... probably better than you realise. Hopefully in time you will conceive and as you are only 24 and you are losing weight your body will hopefully be on your side and pregnancy is only a few tries away.

I do hope you conceive before you big day but if you don't try not to let it bring you down.... I know that is easier said than done... but getting married is amazing in itself and you have nearly two years to plan the most amazing day... yes, I'm a little jealous as I loved planning my wedding.

I tried to conceive when I was 26 with my ex and we struggled. Luckily we didn't fall pregnant so I got a clean break... our break up was not linked to TTC... thank goodness. I met my now husband a couple of years later and we are now in a place where we feel ready to start a family. We have only just started trying so there is a chance I could fall pregnant tomorrow or it could be a couple of years down the line... I know the latter is the most likely! You are very lucky to have found the man you want to marry already and I bet he has been super supportive as well... I know mine has to be to cope with an over emotional PCOS sufferer who can snap for no apparent reason... seriously whats with that! ;)...

You say its been a roller-coaster but try and imagine when you finally get off that roller-coaster and how it will all be worth it. No matter how you get off, whether you conceive naturally, through IVF or other routes... one day you will hold your very own baby and it will be amazing... apologies for how cheesy that sounded, not normally my style!

Thanks

Jen

Hi Rufus200... just seen your message as well... thanks for responding.

You sound like me with all the drugs... I sometimes feel I could open up my own Chemist! I haven't heard of Soy Isoflavones on CD 3-7 100mg-150mg however that's something I am googling later on!

Keep me posted on how you get on with the tablets you are taking and if you end up on Soy. Be interesting to know if they help.

Fingers crossed with all this extra help we will conceive soon, be amazing to do it before Christmas or in the new year :)

Hi Jen,

I absolutely agree! The reason I signed up to this forum was because I am tired of feeling alone in this! All my close friends and everyone around me are having babies without any trouble! They all say "it will be your time. Just be patient". They don't understand the struggle and the insecurities that PCOS brings. The daily struggles and the emotional ups and downs all the time! I've felt so alone but hearing your story and uplifting words made me feel like I'm not the only one!

I have come to terms with PCOS now but it's taken some time! I didn't deal with it very well at the beginning. I was constantly crying, being worried and upset and quite depressed. Not saying it doesn't affect me now but I suppose I have accepted that it will take time. My partner keeps telling me "Perfection takes time" which always makes me smile through a bad day. He is right. Those who wait, wait for something good. As you say, just the thought of holding out baby will be worth the wait and the blood, sweat and tears!

I think that everything happens for a reason, and thats perhaps why as you mentioned you didn't concieve with your ex. In a way it was good you didn't and now you have been blessed by finding your love and can try for a miracle.

I have been very lucky. My fiance is the most understanding person in the world and never gives me a hard time when I am acting out due to hormons or just being in a grumpy mood for no reason. But on the otherside he will never understand how I truly feel as a woman unable to give him what we both want the most. His sperm count was above normal. "Super sperm" as the doctor said. So it all falls down to me. It makes me feel like I'm holding him back, like I'm failing, like I am not good enough. But I can't control my body.

I just have to be patient.

It feels nice to talk to someone else in the same position who can relate to what I am going through.

I know you want to concieve naturally and sooner rather than later. I truly hope your dreams comes true. I don't wish this wish and wait upon anybody but I am still lucky. A lot of ladies out there in worse conditions/been TTC for much longer. I am glad I am about to start Clomid and hope for a miracle. I have heard a lot of success stories so I an feeling positive just nervous!

Best of luck to you Jen!

www.verity-pcos.org.uk

Hi again ladies,

I am looking for some advise from everyone TTC or has conceived with PCOS.

As mentioned before I have been trying to conceive for 16 months. During that time I've stopped looking for symptoms and testing frequently (it plays on your mind too much). So I've been just not really thinking about it - however for this last few days I have had an enormous increase in CM. I normally don't have much, just a bit couple of weeks since my last period.

This time around it has been a lot of it, and frequently throughout the day for a few days. Its now about 5-6 weeks since my last period but I am getting negative pregnancy tests (thought it was worth checking if it was a sign). I have read/heard that women with PCOS actually can get false tests while being pregnant early pregnancy due to PCOS and low hormone levels.

Anyone know anything about this? Am I going mad? I have never in my life had this much CM and it seems different. I am actually considering wearing a panty liner as its quite a lot.

I have been very constipated too and excessive gas (sorry for TMI).

I am currently waiting for my period to start Clomid for the first time, but my period is not showing up.

I never really feel hopeful that I am actually pregnant, but this time it feels like something is different.

I can't figure out why I would have this excessive CM and it drives me crazy.

Any advise?

Sounds like a trip to the docs for bloods if you get negative results. I did hear the same that it can take longer to get a positive result with pcos so certainly worth a chat.

I'm desperately waiting for my period due date...on the off chance it doesn't happen :)

Yeah, I might have to book in a docs appointment although I don't really want to get my hopes up.

I am actually annoyed my period haven't arrived because I am looking forward to start Clomid but if we have been lucky naturally this month it just seems to good to be true!

How long until you are due Jen?

Well fingers crossed for you... Hoping for the best for you.

I'm not due for a couple of weeks but I'm pretty sure I'll come on. We have only just started trying so pretty sure it won't happen for a while.

Thanks Jen, I'm sure its nothing but I will keep you posted!

Exciting even so. I remember when we first started, I was so sure it would be this month..Next month! But little did I know I had PCOS then! ;P

That's why I am so eager to start on Clomid ( I have the pills just waiting for me in the kitchen ). I am not sure whether I actually ovulate or not although I had a positive ovulation test last month. But before that we're not sure.

So, pretty frustrated.

I have been trying to get an appointment at the docs to do a blood test but they are unable to fit me in before the new year!

I am still having large amounts of clear odourless CM everyday and I have had a very bad neck and lower back pain!

I would really like to get a blood test done to put my mind at ease.

I don't normally get my hopes up but I have a different feeling this month.
I have never in my life had this much CM over this period of time.

Did you tell the receptionist that you think you may be pregnant? If you tell them they may get you in sooner, I have been known to push for an appointment when they are not being helpful. If not and they really can't get you then I would just keep taking home tests to see if you do get a result. It is annoying that you may have to wait until the New Year.

It does sound like you may be pregnant but I know what you mean about getting your hopes up... I am the same! I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you :)

Yes, I did say. She said she understood but she really had nothing, but I could call each day to look for an appointment. She said I could try at another doctor office which I tried but they had nothing either so kinda stuck. I may do another test tomorrow morning. Been a few days since last time, but not feeling to confident about the HPT.

My only clear lead its the amount of CM. I mean I could bring up lots of other symptoms as headache, tiredness etc etc, but those are all symptoms that can easily be imagined, or related to other things. So normally I don't look out for those sort of symptoms.

Negative test this morning, but i'll just have to wait and see what happens. Its still early days. I'll try not to think of it over xmas and new year and hopefully either AF shows up or a BFP:) At least then I can start on Clomid.