*****PCOS - Anybody in the same boat?******

[fruitloop79]

I don't know if there are any threads already started but I've just officially found out I've got PCOS this morning - I've always known deep down. Please tell me it's not all bad I'm feeling very sorry for myself.
We've been TTC for 6 months - only 3 cycles. I supposedly ovulated on CD36 (now CD43) this cycle. Gynae reckons not preg cos uterus lining would've thickened. (Had a scan this morning)

Any hints/tips on treatment/TTC?
How to deal with symptoms?

How did Posh spice and Jools Oliver manage to fall preg?

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Hi - this thread is a little out of date. We've got some more information on PCOS here. MNHQ

Hi Fruitloop - Sorry to hear your diagnosis. It can make TTC more difficult but there are lots of us with PCOS who have conceived and several treatments/lifestyle changes that can help.

What sypmtoms do you have? Making sure you are as close to your ideal weight as possible will make a big difference and can sometimes stop the symptoms. The low GI diet is great for PCOS sufferers (both as a diet but also just to maintain a healthy weight)It keeps your blood sugar levels constant so helps stop the sugar cravings.

I have excess hair so I have got to know the beauty therapist in my local salon well as I go there to be waxed fairly regularly also have a good pair of tweezers! I am considering laser treatment at the moment.

Collette Harris has written a couple of books on PCOS which I have found helpful.There is also VERITY which is a support group.

What has your gynae said about treatment or is he going to wait a bit first? There are some treatments they can do. Metformin which is a diabetic treatment and clomid to help you ovulate. There may be others - someone else who knows more will be able to advise!

The good (and ironic) news is that PCOS can often improve after you have a child. I wish you lots of luck.

Hi Fruitloop,

I have had PCOS for 8 years. It runs in my family and I did a dissertation on this subject for my degree. So I think I know a bit about it :-)

First of of all this condition is a syndrome, hence it affects women in varying ways. There are a spectrum of symptoms attached to PCOS.

Some of the Symptoms
*Irregular periods
*No periods at all
*Adult Acne
*Overweight (possibly obese)
*Hirsutism (i.e being very hairy)

Medically it still a mystery. However, there is a lot of help out there, that can be suited to your particular needs to help alleviate your symptoms.

First of all lets deal with Posh, Jools and Kym Marsh etc.
They are a typical example of how the conditions has affected them differently. From Acne, to excess hair, irregular periods and being overweight. I am not going to say who fits into which category as we all know already :-)

Now to treat Acne and/or excess hair GP's often prescribe Dianette. Which is amazing!!!! Basically, the drug blocks your androgens (hormones) and slows down hair growth and acne from appearing. It also acts as a contraceptive, which is a real bonus. If you don't want to get pregnant of course.

To treat overweight ladies and/or regulate periods GP's prescribe Metformin (which is usually given to diabetics). Which often helps long suffering ladies trying to concieve.

If Metformin doesn't work, to help regulate your period and hopefully concieve. Then the next line of treatment is Clomid.

Clomid fools your body into believing your estrogen levels have fallen and helps to release one or more mature follicles (there is a 5% chance of a multiple birth whilst on Clomid)

My story (if you are still awake)

If you have diabetes in he family, this tends to be a factor in you inheriting this condition. Unfortunately, in my family Diabetes is rampant!

I had my first dd in 2006. My husband and I decided we wanted her to have a sibling as soon as possible. So we started trying. It has been almost a year and TTC number 2 has not been so easy. I was 9.5 stone when I first got pregnant and am now 12 stone (thanks to Metformin), but still have had no luck.

My CD35 and every time they reach 40-47 days, I get very excited and convince myself I am pregnant. But the BFN on the PT always tells a different story. My doctor says I am stressed and that's why some of cycles extend to 40-47 days, so I need to relax.

So I am of to my doctor's tomorrow to plead for Clomid. I have done my research and have been very patient. So I am hoping I get this miracle drug, because it really does work.

However, I am trying to eat healthy and loose lots of weight to.

Ok I think I am done. I hope I haven't bored you. Don't feel sorry for yourself. Help yourself and you will get pregant. Tell me a little about you and your lifestyle and I will try to help.

x

I have PCOS and I am a parent.

You have been given good information by other posters to date. Its causes are unknown but there seem to be hereditary factors passed down the male side (male pattern baldness).

Verity have a website which you may want to look at (infact I would advise any PCOSer to look at this). Its www.verity-pcos.org.uk.

Clomid was not actually given to me as I was not deemed suitable to take it. It is not always suitable for all PCOSers to take and it should be given to such patients with a degree of caution because of clomid resistance. It also thus goes without saying that women on clomid should be monitored and not left. Clomid encourages the ovaries to work harder and encourages LH production. As many women with PCOS have an imbalance of LH to FSH clomid is sometimes not suitable.

Other possible treatment options include injectible drugs and diathermy surgery.

My advice to you would be to educate yourself as much as possible re PCOS as it will help you when it comes to asking questions and making treatment decisions in conjunction with your consultant.

HTH, any other questions just ask

Attila

Hi, me too - I have a ds, and am 12 wks pg with number 2 - both with assistance from Metformin. So it is possible! Good luck, and be persistent with your doctors for an active treatment, along with healthy diet and exercise.

I have PCOS and I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my first child. With a sensible diet and lots of exercise I managed to lose nearly 3 stone which kick-started a regular menstrual cycle and helped me to conceive naturally.

It took a long time to get the weight off, but I got there in the end.

Another PCOS success story here, we were trying for a year before conceiving after just three months on Metformin - I lost two stone in the process!
Clomid works so well that just having it in the medicine cabinet, unopened worked for me - I was so busy waiting for my period to start so I could begin the Clomid I overlooked the fact that I was in fact late, and pregnant.

Thanks for your messages guys. It really helps to know how common it is and I know it is possible to get pregnant. I knew I had it, I have always had every symptom apart from being overweight. I do have trouble keeping the weight down though but thought this was down to my underactive thyroid (yes I know shitty endocrine system!). Funnily enough (and after 3 years of being on and off the pill - more off than on) I conceived DS while on a low GI Diet. So, I'm reluctantly going to go for it again now I know it helps PCOS. I just find it the most boring diet in the world. I know it can be interesting if you put your mind to it but I really dont have the time or energy to get creative with food. I also love sugary things , sweetcorn and bananas which are all out . I know it's worth it cos I feel so much better and energetic when I'm on low GI.

The excessive hair thing has always been a problem for me. I've always got very depressed about it but just put it down to being hereditary blaming my mum and dad. Waxing is soooo expensive, creams, shaving etc just so monotonous and dont last. What I wouldnt give for a complete laser hair removal. My friend said she heard it's free if you've got PCOS as it's medical. I've tried Googling it but can't find info so don't think it's true. Maybe I'll ask GP.

My cycles are all over the place since coming off the pill 6 months ago. In fact my hairyness and spots are terrible since coming off the pill. It's amazing what the pill can do! shame it stops you getting preg!

I've only had 3 cycles in those 6 months. Last one was 88 days! Really frustrating when trying to join ovulation calenders online cos they only tend to go up to 40days. So far I'm on CD43. Got a positive OPK for the first time on CD36.

Right, there's my life story, I'm going off to eat my dinner. If I think of anything else, I'll add.
Would love to know how you all get on with PCOS

Moonlit just read your post on other thread, Bloody hell, If I lost a stone I'd look ill! I'm just under 9 and half stone and about 5ft 4. So well within my healthy weight range. I was just under 9 stone when I conceived DS 2.5 yrs ago but everyone said I was too thin! I'm already obsessed about what I eat (we have to be don't we!)
Just begun low GI this eve. Trouble is I end up eating a lot of artificial sweeteners (squash/sweets/choc) which I really don't wanna have. but you can't have sugar on low GI so only option.
I've noticed that losing weight seems to help regulate all your cycles and result in a pregnancy but I still have al these symptoms and don't really need to lose weight

moonlitGood luck at the GP's tomorrow, let us know how it goes!

I know those long cycles are so misleading. You end up symptom spotting dont you and working yourself up into thinking you might be preg, so disappointing.
Was funny when I conceived DS. I only did a test cos I knew the GP was gonna ask me for one at my following appointment. Almost collapsed when it came up +ve! Then I realised that food tasted funny, boobs had grown and was knackered all the time! Just hadn't realised

I've been feeling really shitty since the scan this morning especially as literally all my mates are preg, really! oh except about 3! I went to see one this morning but I broke down in tears . She just kept going on about her bloody pregnancy! Then another phoned me today to announce her pregnancy to me then another popped round this afternoon! I'm hoping all these preg ladies will have given me some luck .

Hi Attila I had a look at that website. I was gonna join but I can't justify spending money on things like that. Also the forum looked a little confusing. I'm used to this one and like the way it's set out

fruitloop

Please do not use OPK's if you have a PCOS diagnosis - they are next to useless in such circumstances. These things measure LH - if you are one of many women who produce an excess of LH (a common problem with PCOS for example) the test reads that level. Temp charting is also hopeless if PCOS is an issue as well as you'll end up with a chart akin to the Rocky Mountains.

I note you under the care of a gynae consultant - what has been suggested re treatment options?.

Hi attila Oh I just meant the doc who did my scan. I assumed she was a gynae I havnt seen my GP yet about what to do next. It was the scan doc who suggested Clomid.

So I can't even temp????

What am I supposed to do to pin point ovulation? I remember you said before not to use OPK's but it was the only time in this cycle so far that it came up +ve. I've had faint lines before but this was a strong line. The scan lady also said it looks as though I've ov'd this cycle.
There must be something we can do to work out when we ov! Otherwise it's BDing every other day for up to or over 88 days! no way!

Good Morning Fruitloop,

How scary we are quite similar. I am 5 ft 4 and was 9 stone 6 lbs. when I conceived my DD 2 years ago. But I knew I had to get my weight down to get pregnant, and it worked.

You are so lucky you don't need to loose weight. But eating healthy food i.e less carbs seems to trigger pregnancy in PCOS women from my experience. Just keep going with your low GI diet. I think it will work for you. Also, make sure you are taking folic acid or multivitamins. If you stick to it, you will be building a healthy environment for your baby to grow in.

I had laser hair treatment six years ago on my face. Which was great! I still have patches, but it's definitely not as bad as it used to be. Unfortunately, this is not available to us on the NHS. However, if you are a young sufferer i.e. 13 years old etc then it's possible. I know of one person. But it took a years worth of letters and a great deal of persuasion. So we grown ups have to save and spend on the treatment ourselves.

My DH is very supportive of my PCOS condition. And is always finding ways of helping me.

I agree with Attila, my GP said Fertility monitors etc are useless and a waste of money. Build a good relationship with your GP and they will help you to get the best treatment.

Be positive Fruity. I want to give up to sometimes. But I keep going

I know everyone around me has had a baby or is pregnant. And then there is my MIL who asks me everyday ' when are you having another baby'. Although I have explained my condition she is not convinced. MIL's honestly [smile}

Good Morning Fruitloop,

How scary we are quite similar. I am 5 ft 4 and was 9 stone 6 lbs. when I conceived my DD 2 years ago. But I knew I had to get my weight down to get pregnant, and it worked.

You are so lucky you don't need to loose weight. But eating healthy food i.e less carbs seems to trigger pregnancy in PCOS women from my experience. Just keep going with your low GI diet. I think it will work for you. Also, make sure you are taking folic acid or multivitamins. If you stick to it, you will be building a healthy environment for your baby to grow in.

I had laser hair treatment six years ago on my face. Which was great! I still have patches, but it's definitely not as bad as it used to be. Unfortunately, this is not available to us on the NHS. However, if you are a young sufferer i.e. 13 years old etc then it's possible. I know of one person. But it took a years worth of letters and a great deal of persuasion. So we grown ups have to save and spend on the treatment ourselves.

My DH is very supportive of my PCOS condition. And is always finding ways of helping me.

I agree with Attila, my GP said Fertility monitors etc are useless and a waste of money. Build a good relationship with your GP and they will help you to get the best treatment.

Be positive Fruity. I want to give up to sometimes. But I keep going

I know everyone around me has had a baby or is pregnant. And then there is my MIL who asks me everyday ' when are you having another baby'. Although I have explained my condition she is not convinced. MIL's honestly

Woops posted twice!!!

How funny, we are very similar aren't we!

I'd love to get a good relationship with my GP but I seem to go to a different one all the time! At the moment the surgery dont know when my 'original' GP is gonna be back so gotta see another one This was the same at my last surgery.

How much does laser treatment cost? the sproutings on my face are getting worse! it's embarrassing. I never let DP touch my face! I thought I had it cos I laughed at a hairy faced granny on the bus when I was a teenager ( I thought it was pay back! )

I want my chin, lip, tummy, thighs and bikini done (why do they call it a line? I wish it was only a line!) - It's gonna cost a fortune isnt it! Can you have laser while pg?

oh crap! guess what's just arrived in the post? A huge bag of ov tests and a BBT thermometer! Maybe I'll have a go and see what happens.....

hi all I have PCOS too and am trying to conceive 2nd baby. well sort of trying anyway, had mc last December and am too heavy to really consider proper ttc.

like some have said low GI and exercise did it for me last time.
I was ok during most of the pregnancy but on the last 2months I put on huge amount of weight, 4st altogether still avoiding gestational diabetes but it was close.
am still trying to get rid of the last stone 3yrs later.
Am not doing exercise as regularly as I would like and that is seriously affecting my mood, but I guess that with the mc and winter it is to be expected.

sorry about the rambling post

Why don't we form a MN ttc weight loss thread to try to encourage each other? Today I have had a yoghurt and some pineapple for breakfast so no carbs yet! (I refuse to count any carbs in fruit)

I certainly need encouragement to go back out running best thing for my mood and fitness but have not really been more than a handful of times since the summer.

we got up late so am having a breakfast smoothie with yoghurt berries and oats

Well I've started a low GI diet thread on the weight loss topic but might be better here cos we're all in the same position with PCOS.

I've had 'no added sugar' Alpen and now halfway through a cappuccino (not skinny though) they don't have skimmed milk everywhere unfortunately. Maybe I should carry round a carton
I'll make a pact with you all that we're all gonna go to the gym/exercise more often. My gym membership costs a fortune and I rarely go well, I do use the jacuzzi and sauna

So here I go on the most boring diet in the world Oh well, it'll be worth it in the end! DP's gonna do it with me cos he wants to get fit for the summer (might help his little boys too)

Hey ladies,

I am definitely going to join you.

I have just got back from GP's. She refused Clomid

As she is convinced it's my weight gain, that is preventing me from getting pregnant and all the stress I have been under. She has prescribed further Metformin for five months. She says after that she will consider 'other options'. Now that really annoyed me, but I know she is only trying to help. She told me I have to loose 20kg. Omigod!!!!!!

My DH keeps on trying to get me a membership to the local posh gym. But I know I won't go. Anway, I am going to join you guys. I think the support will help us all to loose weight and get preggers!!!!!

We won't let PCOS get the better of us!!!!!!

I agree that weight is a major factor also the fact that PCOS seems to make us prone to depression etc. 20kg is doable particularly if you exercise.

am more motivated to go out early in the morning for a jog, sunrise coming at a more reasonable time. it used to be my favourite thing

Moonlit - you need to ask to go and see an endocrinologist specialist, pref one with interest in pcos. You can find good ones near you by googling. In my exp GPs know very little about pcos. If your GP won't refer you go and see a different GP - tell them you;ve been tryng for x amount of time (say longer if you want) and ask for referral to specialist.

Ahh thanks sfxmum!I won't look at 20 kg in such a bad way now

Fruity: I paid £1000 for my laser from Boots. They have now stopped doing the laser. Hence, why i stopped laser treatment. I don't like my husband touching my face either. :0 I remember him once saying ' at least you have less hair than me'. I tell you thank goodness he does have more hair than me .

I wouldn't recommend hair removal whilst you are pregnant. I remember being told you an end up with patches of skin that are different in colour.

GP wise, find out which one specializes in women's health and stick to that one.

yellowflowers: Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. Luckily my sister is a doctor to. So I am always pestering her with my PCOS questions, she is always happy to help because she has PCOS. My GP really is fabulous and is totally clued up on PCOS. Hence she didn't think twice before giving me Metformin, scans and blood tests. But after four months she still refuses I will definitely go and see a specialist.

In the meantime with the support of you guys, I know I can loose the weight and get pregnant without further treatment.

I don't worry too much about the hair I have some and need to keep on top of it iyswim with my trusted tweezers, but will not let it bring me down.
a more permanent treatment would be great but hey.
I have a new GP, well for the last 2.5 yrs but have not discussed PCOS with her. the previous GP was quite supportive but kept suggesting I go on Atkins weirdo