PCOS - where to start?

[CRbear]

Hi everyone!

My partner and I would like to start TTC in about a years time. I’ve never had regular period (am on the mirena now) and have previously been diagnosed with PCOS. A number of years ago now. I am 31.

I’m sorry if this seems like a silly question but when we decide we’re ready to start TTC…do we just get the mirena out and see what happens? Or having had a diagnosis of PCOS and knowing I don’t have regular periods do I see someone (who? GP for referral?) for help straight away? If yes are they likely to tell me to lose weight before anything else? I’ve got a BMI of 27 right now and if I’m going to need to lose weight then I could do that now. I guess I’m wondering if there’s anything I could now to improve my chances? Is it worth getting any further testing done at this stage (even privately?). It does weigh on my mind and knowing what the “plan” would be would help I think. Even if that’s just have a lot of sex and cross your fingers…

Sorry if this seems like a silly question. I genuinely feel a bit overwhelmed by it all - maybe I just can’t see the wood for the trees!

So I’m currently pregnant with my first, have pcos. It took over a year for us to conceive, and obviously I can only say what seemed to work for us and my health circumstances, which was super irregular periods, between 14 day and 100+ day cycles.
I lost weight by going low carb (often recommended for pcos) from a BMI of 28 or so to 25 or so. I stopped drinking alcohol altogether. I upped my exercise levels and did Pilates at least five or so times a week. I tried temping and using OPKs over several months but found it somewhat disheartening so just went with DTD every couple of days. We were referred by our gp for fertility treatment due to the existing history of pcos after 8 months of trying, altho the appointment didn’t come for another 6 months.
Best of luck x

@Ughmaybenot glad to hear it’s not always doom and gloom- I’m thrilled for you that you got pregnant! I think a year is considered average so you weren’t far off that and that gives me hope. I’m sure it didn’t feel that way going through it!

As someone who it’s pcos and a couple of things worth looking into :
NAC supplement - very good for pcos (on a par with metformin apparently)
Myo inositol- very good for pcos to help with ovulation induction
Letrozole is better than clomid for pcos so if you get to this point with nhs fertility drs, don’t let them give you clomid first (it’s cheaper and they will try too) it doesn’t usually work and letrozole is much gentler. Also in UK you won’t have monitored cycles on either clomid or letrozole, just day 21 (or 7 days post ovulation) progesterone test to confirm ovulation.
Weight loss and going sugar free and low carb is amazing for pcos.
Read it starts with the egg book - has v good section on pcos.

I had scans when on clomid but ultimately needed IVF to get pregnant. Ivf was very successful for me and I’d double triple check any weird and wonderful natural remedies with your Dr before trying them.

That’s some interesting information @user1481050140 - I’ve got an appointment for a referral (I hope!) for pre conception counselling and I hope they’ll discuss these options. I definitely can lose weight just with calorie control so if that’s likely to help I’ll do it. I just struggle to keep a balance.

@5zeds good to know IVF isn’t always a nightmare experience. I’m hopeful I won’t have to go this route (isn’t everyone!). Will have to see. I’m certainly open to it.

Just to update this in case anyone is interested I spoke to a doctor today who’s referring me to a gynaecologist for some advice on what my “plan” should be. Confirming PCOS is still present etc. All the standard stuff too including “when you’re ready for a baby you will need to have your coil removed” - I’m sad they need to be that explicit but she assured me they did…

Got my referral. “On average patients are seen within 77 weeks” at all three clinics I was offered haha so silver lining- maybe I’ll be able to get help when I’ve been trying 6 months (starting in a years time )! No appointment yet and I’m supposed to chase them if I don’t hear by the 10th September.