Pre-Conception GP Appointment, any tips?

[FantasticalCat]

Just wanted to see if there are any questions you would recommend I ask my GP at my pre-conception appointment later this afternoon!

I’m 36, first cycle TTC, with PCOS and fairly irregular periods with a cycle ranging from 21-48 days over the last year.

Currently take Metformin 500mg x3 a day but might ask if the dose should be increased to try and improve my cycle regularity, had anyone seen the benefit of an increased dose?

Figured it was worthwhile checking in with the GP given my age and the PCOS factor.

All tips and recommendations gratefully received 🙂 x

Thyroid OP! A underactive thyroid can be quite harmful in pregnancy so make sure it’s been checked.

This isn’t exactly what you were asking (😄) but I have PCOS and have had some fertility difficulties. Went to see a consultant gynaecologist privately and he recommended taking Inofolic Alpha supplements. They’re supplements not mediations and can’t be prescribed, they cost about £30 a month. Something to consider. I think the fertility industry throws a whole load of expensive supplements on women, some of which don’t seem to have much evidential basis at all, but I’m glad I took this one x

I'd expect them to be no help whatsoever and to be told to; take folic acid, have sex, come back in a year if needed (even though technically they should see you at six months).

I hope your GP was more helpful but would be completely unsurprising if they were not.

@IVFKinster you weren’t far off!!

I did indeed get told to take folic acid, and come back in 6 months if we have no luck.

She couldn’t answer my question around increasing metformin, so she’s getting a different doctor to call me back tomorrow.

All in all, pretty pointless!

I'm sorry that's your experience @FantasticalCat but it does sound common.
At least you know where you stand with them and hopefully you don't need any help from them going forward.
If they're not willing to increase your Metformin maybe consider taking some form of myo inositol alongside it (if the GP that calls you back says it's okay) as it can be really helpful for regulating periods and is considered a bit of a natural Metformin in the PCOS world. Goodluck!

@IVFKinster oh wow I’d never heard of MI before - I’ve done some reading and as you say it looks like it can be really effective, especially when combined with metformin!

I’ve gone ahead and ordered some, my PCOS has caused me all sorts of issues since I was 16 so really intrigued to see if this can sort my cycle out. Thank you so much for the tip!

This. My first thought was confusion, you almost certainly know at least as much as your GP about conception with PCOS. I would be surprised if they have much to offer unfortunately.

If your BMI is over 30 they should prescribe folic acid at 5mg per day (12.5X higher than 400Mug).

Other than that I agree with previous poster, they'll tell you to have a go and come back after a certain time period if no luck