PCOS help needed

[2007Millie]

Very rare periods, maybe 1-2 a year with no warning/regularity/routine etc, totally random. Have been like this since I was in my teens.

Diagnosed PCOS.

Any tips on conceiving?

Average weight etc as I know normally the first thing is to lose weight and eat healthily, but I already do that.

Medication/pregnacare tablets etc

Just anything that might assist

@Shatandfattered

Really? Well I never knew that!

2periods a year. Clomid second cycle fell pregnant, lost that baby, but stuck with clomid pregnant two months later that time had a gorgeous baby.

It's actually counterproductive to have sex every day. Male sperm needs two to three days for the count to replenish enough for optimal motility and viability of the sperm

True.

BTW, I also fell pregnant thanks to Clomid being massively irregular, but as far as I know it has never been sold over the counter, that’s why I suggested you push to see a consultant who can check for other problems and prescribe the best option.

Thanks everyone.

Having spoken to the doctor and private GP it seems I'll have to wait a bit, understandably, because of the pandemic as it isn't urgent. Hopefully this will all blow over soon!

I have pcos, like you was diagnosed young and more or less forgot about it. We tried for a while, but as I barely ever had periods knew it was unlikely to happen naturally. Ended up getting a referral to a gynaecologist via nhs and getting clomid and metformin (though if anything I’m a bit light and my insulin levels are fine). Worked on 3rd cycle! We did also see a private clinic, who tbh were quite negative and keen to refer us ASAP for ivf. Pcos is frustrating and it’ makes it a long slow road - but it’s possible! I’d see your gp sooner than later, as I imagine wait lists will be even longer than usual after all this is over.

Ive got PCOS I didn't ditch carbs just switched to brown pasta and rice don't have much sugar and not a massive pizza fan anyway! I am unmedicated, have regular periods (though are 6 weekly) and have been pregnant 4 times in 5 years and when trying the longest we've tried for is 5 months - I lost 2 stone during this time by eating smaller portions and switching to brown pasta and rice if you have these they're more filling so you don't need as much either! Xx

@BooMamaBear

Wow! Your comment has really lifted my spirits. How amazing you have gotten pregnant so easily/often.

I hope I am as lucky

Following this thread with interest. Here's my story (sorry for long message!)

Im early-mid 30s, diagnosed with Pre-PCOS 2.5 years ago after inconsistent periods since early 20s. Was referred by a new GP to endocrinology unit who finally made PCOS diagnosis.

First year, tried diet and weightloss (on average i go between size 14-16). Had some success but not enough to regulate periods.

As i was getting married and planning on TTC, started taking metformin (500mg for 3 months, then at next review upped to 1000mg) a year ago. Consultant told me can take 6months-1year to take effect. Started having regular periods for the first time in 5 years 🥳🥳🥳

Started TTC last November. Referred to reproductive medicine team for clomid. Whilst waiting for referral (trust in London) started using OPK alongside hospital blood tests to check for ovulation. Confirmed ovulation took place in Jan only and we weren't lucky that month.

Agreed with consultant to start clomid in April. Now all on hold as consultant strongly advised not to take without follicular tracking, which cant be done during covid outbreak. Also, you can only take clomid for a certain number of months in a row without a break. We want to absolutely maximise our chances and it seems a waste to take without the associated scanning when it would be guesswork and then we would have to wait before we could go for another round. So currently very frustratingly waiting for fertility services to reopen.

To OP, my experience with endo unit at my local hospital has been excellent. Really supportive, willing to work with me and life timelines (eg. Postponing starting metformin until after my wedding in case of bad stomach side effects etc). Despite the frustration of now having to wait for clomid, this wasnt their fault.

I would strongly recommend trying to be referred to specialist unit rather than going through GP if you can be.

Is metformin recommended for people with PCOS who have regular cycles?

If you are taking Metformin you should also consider taking B12...

www.healthline.com/health-news/check-your-vitamin-b12-levels-if-you-take-metformin

@moscowmule that’s interesting about the scanning. I didn’t have (and wasn’t offered!) scanning while on clomid - just a blood test to check for ov once per cycle. I would def have gone for scanning, had it been offered (the blood test if you don’t ov at the same time each month is a bit useless).

Yes @Serz88 I'm on metformin and I have pcos. My doctor prescribed it for me. Even if you have regular cycles it doesn't mean your ovulating every month. Metformin can help you to ovulate.

Deffo go to your GP lovely. I have PCOS and they gave me metformin after 5 months of trying. I've lost about a stone in weight as well as taking pregnacare concieve. Had my first period in over a year last week and now getting positives on ovulation kits so have everything crossed this month!