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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

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Original poster

questionforcityangel

17 replies

30andready · 10/05/2007 10:11

Hi City Angel - I read somewhere that you have started taking agnus cactus and was wondering how you are getting on with it? I ovulate always after day 21 and am hoping it might make me ovulate earlier. Also, how much do you take per day? Any info appreciated!!! I have been having irregular cycles from 30-36 days since coming off pill last Summer...yuck!!

OP posts:

cityangel · 10/05/2007 11:22

Hi 30andready I am 31andreadytoo!

I have been getting on with the Agnus Castus fine ie: no side effects. It has made me OV about 3 days earlier on CD18 instead of CD21.

I take it in the first half of the cycle and not after OV.

I can see why self-medicating can be frowned on and I have read of it lengthening cycles in some cases so its obviously not for everyone. But I decided I wanted to give it a go anyway.

What is still frustrating is that even when I OV earlier, the second half of my cycle my luteal phase still seems about 9/10 and I would like it to be longer. I really sympathise on the long cycles frustration.

I've been buying it from here:

Agnus_Castus

It says to take 2 400mg capsules twice daily. So far I've only been taking a lower dose of 2 400mg once daily and I started off only taking 1 capsule daily. I figured I would take lower doses first in case my body had a bad reaction to it.

I also take B6 for the short luteal phase.
I hope this helps.

cityangel · 10/05/2007 11:23

Oh and I also found it took a couple of months before the cycles were shorter and of course that could have happened anyway Agnus Castus or not

Original poster

30andready · 10/05/2007 11:55

Thank you so much for responding. So have you had a couple of cycles now ovulating at 18 days instead of 21? I am so sick of ovulating at day 23 or sometimes even 28 (!!)I have had blood tests which apparently are normal but the doc has told me to not to come back for another year (i.e. two years of trying). Some of the other ladies on here have been brilliant and given me some suggestions - i.e. trying another GP. I am almost at the trying for one year mark. What is worst is that when I look at my cycles I can't say that they look fertile!!! How much vit 6 do you take? I am taking 100mg now and originally extended lp from 5- to now the same as you, about 9-10. Have you had any checks and if so, did they make you feel better? Quite bored of being told to relax. I don't see how stress can make you ovulate consistently late!!

OP posts:

greedygreedyguzzler · 10/05/2007 12:13

30andready - i took agnus castus too and then got pg on my first month of taking it after trying for 9 months previously. could be coincidence, but its worth a try!

i took the same amount as cityangel! and i started gradually so i took less for the first few days and then a bit more, but still didnt go up to the full dose. great minds think alike! good luck!

cityangel · 10/05/2007 12:34

Thank you so much for responding. So have you had a couple of cycles now ovulating at 18 days instead of 21? I am so sick of ovulating at day 23 or sometimes even 28 (!!)I have had blood tests which apparently are normal but the doc has told me to not to come back for another year (i.e. two years of trying). Some of the other ladies on here have been brilliant and given me some suggestions - i.e. trying another GP. I am almost at the trying for one year mark. What is worst is that when I look at my cycles I can't say that they look fertile!!! How much vit 6 do you take? I am taking 100mg now and originally extended lp from 5- to now the same as you, about 9-10. Have you had any checks and if so, did they make you feel better?
Quite bored of being told to relax. I don't see how stress can make you ovulate consistently late!!

I agree with you entirely. I am relaxed and things are good with us at the moment. I am strong believer in biological factors

Yes I know OV around CD18 and have done so twice. CD lengths have settled to 30 days.

My doc is also relatively dismissive and wouldn't even consider short luteal phase a diagnosis

I would definitely try another doctor as a year is a long time. Especially with longer cycles.

I am waiting for my CD3 test. The ultrasound of ovaries showed all in place which helped.

THe B6 I take 100mg as well. I've been trying other herbal things and am taking iron (floradix)

I tried accupuncture but gave up as it was expensive and I think I'd only try it again after I've persued the medical path more.

I really sympathise with your frustration.

cityangel · 10/05/2007 12:35

Hi Greedy how are you doing?

greedygreedyguzzler · 10/05/2007 13:10

i'm great thanks cityangel! i do try and keep up with you all and lurk on all my old ttc threads! actually i lurk a lot more there than on hte antenatal ones! is that weird??!!
fantastic news for mrs today hey? that will be you before you know it, i definately think its your turn now!

Original poster

30andready · 10/05/2007 15:10

Hi Greedy - can I ask if you had irregular cycles. Is that why you took agnus? congrats on your bfp! Fab news!

OP posts:

greedygreedyguzzler · 10/05/2007 17:44

yep! mine were all over the place and super long! since i came off the pill last time i had a huge long cycle to start with till my first period, then a 38,31,30, and 41 day cycle! my next cycle was even longer cos i didnt ov till day 34 and then got pg! mine are normally around 40 to 45 days though so the short ones were irregular for me!

Original poster

30andready · 10/05/2007 18:48

one more question greedy..did you continue taking agnus after ovulation?! I have heard it can also help lengthen short luteal phases. Thank you!

OP posts:

cityangel · 11/05/2007 11:56

Greedy how far along are you now? Great to hear from you lurk lots!

I am hoping for BFP soon but at the moment start new job in 2 weeks so am taking it easy.

Yes its great for MrsMC fingers crossed

30andReady I hope your cycles get shorter whatever you try. Fingers crossed.

herbaceous · 11/05/2007 12:15

I also found Agnus Castus remarkable - the two times I took it I got pregnant. I miscarried both times, but can't imagine the two were related.

greedygreedyguzzler · 11/05/2007 13:47

30andready - to be honest i cant remember if i took it after ovulation or not. i dont think i did, but i wouldn't swear on that! actually i am pretty sure i didn't now that i think hard!!!

cityangel - i know all about your new job from lurking!!! good luck!

greedygreedyguzzler · 11/05/2007 13:48

oh! and i am almost 20 weeks now!!!! doesn't time whizz by hey?

Original poster

30andready · 11/05/2007 16:15

Thanks ladies. It is seriously heartening to hear you got preggers ready with long cycles!!!!!!!!!!

OP posts:

cityangel · 11/05/2007 16:51

Yes it is heartening and exciting :0)

Have you told anyone yet?

:0) Lurk lots and send us the baby photos

greedygreedyguzzler · 11/05/2007 17:06

30andready - i have got pg 3 times now with my super long cycles, so have faith! first and last time it took a while, but second time it was a piece of piss (not sure why or how, just happened quick!)

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