PCOS and TTC x

[Hope91]

Hiya

We have been ttc since September 2020 and I had noticed by tracking my cycle how irregular it was. Following testing I have now via a 21 day progresterone test result of 16 and an ultrasound showing follicles on my ovaries been diagnosed with PCOS.

I am currently waiting for an appointment on the 23rd to see what my options are but so far I have (via google) established that weight loss is key so working on that immediately.

Is anyone else in a similar position with a recent PCOS diagnosis? Or been through this before? Any advice on vitamins to take etc would be so welcomed.

We are ttc our first and I am 30- just feeling totally lost at the moment and to add to the matter I have a blood clotting condition so I am unsure what they will say about hormones on the 23rd due to the risks.

Would be great to get a group together of people in a similar situation of ttc with PCOS so we can all support one another.

Xxx

Hi @Hope91

I was diagnosed with PCOS six years ago. I was put on Yasmin and told to lose weight. When I started TTC my BMI was 20-21 and I conceived within four months. My cycles were long (33-34 days) but regular after losing weight. Persevere with the weight loss and hopefully you'll see an improvement. I used My Fitness Pal and started running. You might find you conceive naturally in the meantime anyway; plenty of those with PCOS do. Good luck!

Hi @Wiltshire90 thank you so much for sharing that is so reassuring. I am really hoping that the weight loss may do exactly that. I normally really struggle to lose weight but feel like this is the biggest reason I have ever had to stick to plan :) x

I have PCOS, Endo, adenomyosis, fibroids and a blocked fallopian tube!
I tried for 5 years and nothing happened (I actually got heavier as I was feeling more and more depressed)
Just before Christmas I started myo-inositol and serenity progesterone cream and am now 16 weeks pregnant.

I'm not saying it's a miracle but I do feel both have helped me so just wanted to suggest they may be worth a try!

Hi @Hope91, I was recently diagnosed with PCOS while TTC and am 30 as well - my symptoms are infrequent cycles and acne. I was prescribed metformin but am reluctant to take it because of the strong side effects. My BMI is 21.5 so am in a slightly different position as weight loss is unlikely to be the magic answer for me.

I've read that switching to a diet that is very high in protein and low in carbohydates is very good for PCOS as it prevents the insulin spikes that cause our excess testosterone. I'm really just starting out on it so I'll let you know how I get on! I have been taking myo-inositol and agnes castus for about 3 months and cut out caffeine and alcohol, I think they've helped but they haven't been the answer on their own. I've also read that moderate exercise, particularly strength training is also good.

Good luck and please keep in touch with how you get on xx

Hi @Hope91

I am 31, ttc#1 and i have PCOS. No cysts but all the other symptoms... irregular periods, excess hair etc.

Since coming off the pill my cycles have been 45, 42, 34 and i am now on day 56 of my 4th cycle (which is the first cycle ttc!!) how typical!!

I definitely could lose abit of weight and hopefully periods will become more regular.

@ElmtreeMama huge congratulations! That’s amazing news and I will absolutely give those a try thank you so much! I am so happy for you after what sounds like a really tough journey that you are now expecting :)

@magnoliasinbloom how are you feeling about it? My symptoms are infrequent cycles, acne and hair also had follicles my ovaries. I have read a lot about metformin and side effects too it’s so difficult isn’t it? However a friend of a friend who has pcos just got pregnant after trying for 18 months on month 3 of metformin so I think if they offer it to me I’ll give it a try. No that makes sense completely re the weight loss being ruled out.

Yes please do let me know how that diet change works. I’m defo going to order some myo-inositol as soon many people are mentioning it. That is amazing that you have managed to cut caffeine and alcohol. Thank you so much for all the tips. I would love to keep in touch hoping we can keep this group going for people in similar situations :) what cycle are you on if you don’t mind me asking? This is the 10th month trying for us x

@CTMcG the irregular cycles are a nightmare aren’t they! I think the hardest thing is then tracking ovulation I’ve been using opks but I am not 100% convinced on the accuracy to be honest even though I will probably keep using them :) bless you typical that the first one ttc is longer. Yes that’s what I am hoping that weight loss may help to regulate a little. Xx

@Hope91I have ups and downs, sometimes I think it's really unfair and then other times I remember that everyone has their challenges and this one is just mine! :) How do you feel? I have a lot of friends who are pregnant or who have young babies who conceived really easily, and I get very sad sometimes thinking that it could take a while for me. I came off the pill at Christmas time, and we've been trying since February, so it's month 5 but cycle 2 because my periods are so irregular haha.

Completely get it about Metformin, I probably feel the same but thought I'd give it a month or 2 seeing if some lifestyle changes work before trying it!

@magnoliasinbloom yes that’s exactly how I feel. So many of my friends have little ones now and although I am mega happy for them I always wish every announcement that it was me (then I feel selfish and get friend guilt)

Such a pain with the irregular cycles isn’t it? mine vary anywhere from 25- 42 days so I really struggle to track ovulation (although not convinced it’s happening after the ultrasound so need to resolve that on the 23rd). I’ve found that due to the cycle changes there is always that “am I pregnant” thought . the amount of negative tests I’ve taken is ridiculous.

Completely agree It’s certainly worth looking at lifestyle options first :)

I’ve just ordered some vitamins that I’ve been recommended- myo-inositol-(conceive plus), pregnacare pre-conceiving and super b complex. Going to try those and losing weight for the next 3 months with some light exercise and then if gp recommends hormones or metformin try those sept onwards. Atleast then I’ve given the lifestyle a try for 3 months first :)

Morning all :) I had AF arrive yesterday so going into cycle 11. All my vitamins have arrived and I swear I am going to be rattling the amount I have ordered. If this concoction doesn’t get me pregnant I’m not sure what will lol! Does anyone know does a positive opk peak mean you are actually ovulating? As I get one every month however the nurse who did my ultraSound said it didn’t look like I would be ovulating? Going to ask my gp next week but thought I would ask in case anyone knows the answer :) have a great weekend xx

Hi @Hope91 I feel that same way too, taking so many supplements each day! My understanding (after trying them unsuccessfully myself) is that ovulation predictor kits don't work for women with PCOS (the ClearBue ones actually say that in the instructions :( ). This is because OPKs measure luteinising hormone which is often naturally raised in PCOS women, so the tests can either show as negative all the time or detect raises that don't mean anything (which has happened to me). If you are getting a regular period, hopefully it means you are ovulating but it might be on a different day to when the tests show - do you measure your temperature or track your CM? Have a good weekend too xx

Hello ladies, would love to join this thread and share ttc journey. I suffer from PCOS as well and unfortunately had 3 losses (1 MMC and 2 chemical pregnancies) first one I conceived naturally without any medication, the last two I was on myo inositol and metformin more recently. I am not overweight, bmi is normal but never had a normal 28 day cycle. Metformin helped reduce my cycle length from 33/45 days to 28 in the last two months and also lost 5 kgs ... currently on cd 26, feel like AF is on its way ... 😔 I am finding ttc so hard at the moment with baby announcements everywhere. Will just pray to God that it also happens for us one day 🌈

Fellow 30 year old PCOS’r here, was diagnosed at 16! Also have endo! So I have regular periods, ovulation pain & fertile CM but still feel like I could not be ovulating as last scan I had in feb was very polycystic.

I worked with a nutritionist over lockdown and that really sparked an interest in this condition. Since then been on a mission to find out which PCOS type I have and how best to treat! Currently taking: probiotic, NAC, magnesium, omega 3,6,9 , B6 and folate.

I have always taken B6 I stopped it for a month and my periods went weird so convinced it’s the only thing that keeps my cycle regular (28-30 days!)

Deffo happy to help/support/chat! This is our first cycle TTC and it’s so difficult knowing it could take a while especially as I’m so ready to have a baby and ALL of my friends with kids got pregnant the first try (literally like 5 of them, it’s like COME ON!!!) xx

@Amtheyest17 - 11dpo here and AF due any day for me

exciting it's ur first TTC cycle, fingers crossed 🤞 it works magic for u first time. What cd are you and do u bbt? BBT along with CM helped me time DTD and provided comfort I actually ovulated.

@Belle34 Sending you lots of love & luck!!
So CD is 22 so if I am correct judging on ovulation pains I’m about 8 days DPO! I don’t do BBT but might be worth giving it a go!

I’m not holding out much luck for this cycle, I have felt a bit weird over the last few days, sore nips, very bloated but AF is due in 6-8 days so could just be that. Only thing I have noticed is I really suffer with low moods before AF and I feel quite balanced and ok!

@Amtheyest17 - thx lovely. 14 dpo and BFN... DH's SA came back and he has 50% DNA fragmentation 😭... it's like universe is trying to play a funny game.. our next step is to repeat this in 2 months time and if it's still bad then IVF is our only option even then I am not sure it will work. Super emotional today.. DH doesn't even wanna talk about it..

I hope things r all ok with you?

Hi ladies I hope you are all okay? How’s everyone doing? Sorry I have been off the radar work has been manic the past 2 months.

Just wanted to drop by and share some positive news. I am 11dpo today and finally have 2 lines. I am trying not to be over excited as I am very anxious about the risks but have so much hope to finally see 2 lines albeit very faint :)

Sending so much love to everyonex