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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

TTC - PCO, fertility clinic referral

14 replies

frannie1512 · 07/07/2025 16:04

Hi,

Just trying to find some advice or reassurance on what we’re going through. New to mumsnet also.

I’m 28 and my partner is 31. We’ve never been caught out and don’t have any children.

We have been ttc for the last 16 months. Around the 12 month mark I booked in at the doctors as I was concerned as to why we hadn’t fallen pregnant (had tried all the things under the sun). My periods were regular and I didn’t have any obvious symptoms that something could be wrong. My doctor sent me for a scan and blood tests and I found out that my ovaries look to be polycystic - obviously this was pretty upsetting and quite a shock as I don’t have any other symptoms and it hadn’t crossed my mind. I’m not diagnosed with PCOS as my bloods came back all normal and have no other symptoms. Just polycystic ovaries. I asked my doctor if he thinks I’m ovulating - something he couldn’t confirm or deny. My LH:FSH is 2.1…not sure what that means or if it’s good/bad?

My partner has had his bloods done and is waiting on his sperm analysis this coming week. I went back to the doctors to discuss the ultrasound and my bloods, and our doctor has referred us onto the fertility clinic. He said he couldn’t see that prescribing metformin would help me at all and could waste time as I have no symptoms that it would help with and he stated there is no proof it improves live birth rates.

I’ve been taking my vitamins - vit d, folic acid, selenium, b12, co-q10, and inositol. Noticed that my period has been a bit delayed and odd the last two cycles, which I wondered if it could be due to stress as we’ve had a lot going on, or if inositol is messing it about?

Guess I’m just hoping for anyone’s advice, help or general thoughts through this.

Thanks x

OP posts:
Lgn90 · 07/07/2025 17:16

Hi - I'm not an expert by any means but LH:FSH should ideally be a 1:1 ratio and it is often higher in women with PCOS closer to 2:1 like yours. Was your testosterone elevated too?
I have OK bloods but long cycles so different to you but inositol has really helped bring my cycle length down (but only with a 4mg dose).
In terms of checking you're ovulating, ovulation tests won't work for you (as they detect LH and yours is elevated) but you could try taking your BBT and that should tell you if you're ovulating!

Tater05 · 07/07/2025 18:04

Hi,

I’m in almost the exact same situation as you – I’m on my 17th cycle ttc and have polycystic ovaries but not PCOS as my bloods came back normal and I have regular periods. I’m 31 and my partner is 32 and I’m waiting for an appointment with the fertility clinic. My doctors have been a bit rubbish and basically just told me to wait for a fertility appointment before being prescribed anything or having further tests, so it’s helpful to hear that metformin probably won’t help as I have been wondering about that.
Have you considered getting any private tests done? I’m thinking about it if I don’t get an appointment soon. It would just be nice to have a plan in place and some idea of what to do moving forward.

As for the PCO it’s usually just a higher follicle count on your ovaries. Have you had your AMH tested? If it’s above average it could be linked. From what I know if shouldn’t directly affect fertility, but I’ve been assuming my problem is quantity over quality so I’ve been focusing on egg health, taking CoQ10 (which you’re already on) and eating better. Low impact exercises like weights and walking are also good. PCO can sometimes affect insulin levels though it might not apply to you – I had mine tested and it came back fine BUT I did used to get sugar and carb cravings followed by a day of brain fog and fatigue which apparently it’s related to. Since I found this out I’ve cut back on sugar and carbs and my periods have improved, been less painful and it generally feels like my hormones are more balanced. I’m not sure if it’s directly related to PCO but I think it can cause some hormonal shifts which isn’t helpful when TTC. So my advice would be to not worry about the PCO, but there are small changes you might be able to do which could help

Original poster
frannie1512 · 07/07/2025 20:54

Lgn90 · 07/07/2025 17:16

Hi - I'm not an expert by any means but LH:FSH should ideally be a 1:1 ratio and it is often higher in women with PCOS closer to 2:1 like yours. Was your testosterone elevated too?
I have OK bloods but long cycles so different to you but inositol has really helped bring my cycle length down (but only with a 4mg dose).
In terms of checking you're ovulating, ovulation tests won't work for you (as they detect LH and yours is elevated) but you could try taking your BBT and that should tell you if you're ovulating!

Hmm I see. My testosterone was fine, it was only the LH:FSH the doctor picked up on, but I wasn’t sure what it really meant even after I’d asked him.

I feel like my cycles have been getting longer ever since I found out I have polycystic ovaries lol, but probably just stressing myself out. Glad to hear inositol has been working for you though, I think I’ll carry on with it.

That makes sense as I used countless ovulation tests and never got anything positive! Gave up on it all and never thought to do BBT as I just thought it wouldn’t work. Thank you for the advice, I’ll give it a go!

OP posts:
Original poster
frannie1512 · 07/07/2025 21:08

Tater05 · 07/07/2025 18:04

Hi,

I’m in almost the exact same situation as you – I’m on my 17th cycle ttc and have polycystic ovaries but not PCOS as my bloods came back normal and I have regular periods. I’m 31 and my partner is 32 and I’m waiting for an appointment with the fertility clinic. My doctors have been a bit rubbish and basically just told me to wait for a fertility appointment before being prescribed anything or having further tests, so it’s helpful to hear that metformin probably won’t help as I have been wondering about that.
Have you considered getting any private tests done? I’m thinking about it if I don’t get an appointment soon. It would just be nice to have a plan in place and some idea of what to do moving forward.

As for the PCO it’s usually just a higher follicle count on your ovaries. Have you had your AMH tested? If it’s above average it could be linked. From what I know if shouldn’t directly affect fertility, but I’ve been assuming my problem is quantity over quality so I’ve been focusing on egg health, taking CoQ10 (which you’re already on) and eating better. Low impact exercises like weights and walking are also good. PCO can sometimes affect insulin levels though it might not apply to you – I had mine tested and it came back fine BUT I did used to get sugar and carb cravings followed by a day of brain fog and fatigue which apparently it’s related to. Since I found this out I’ve cut back on sugar and carbs and my periods have improved, been less painful and it generally feels like my hormones are more balanced. I’m not sure if it’s directly related to PCO but I think it can cause some hormonal shifts which isn’t helpful when TTC. So my advice would be to not worry about the PCO, but there are small changes you might be able to do which could help

Ah it’s reassuring I’m not alone. I haven’t found much info on those ttc with just PCO. Sorry to hear your doctors have been rubbish, it’s not easy at all is it😔

Yes I’ve definitely thought about going private, time feels so valuable especially waiting for the next step, and it’s gutting to know that the wait times aren’t great with the NHS. I’m definitely the same, I need to know what I’m doing next and feel proactive about it.

No, not had my AMH tested. Not sure why? But that’s interesting to know. Yes I’m trying to do the same and be a bit healthier overall. My insulin levels were fine but I definitely do have a sweet tooth so have been cutting back on sugar. I definitely have similar symptoms after eating like that and notice my hormones feel all over the place when I do have a bit too much. Nice to hear it does help and fighting the urge to indulge is worth it haha.

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it.

Crossing my fingers for you x

OP posts:
PeonyPatch · 07/07/2025 22:17

What is BBT?

Original poster
frannie1512 · 08/07/2025 10:21

PeonyPatch · 07/07/2025 22:17

What is BBT?

Basal body temperature

OP posts:
Tater05 · 08/07/2025 16:04

@frannie1512 It's difficult to find much about PCO without it being about PCOS. I did a blood test through Hertility at about 8 months into TTC and that's when my AMH was tested. I don't think the GP does it, mine didn't anyway. Not sure why as surely it's quite an important factor!

Crossing my fingers for you too! I think it's unfortunately becoming more common for it to take longer, as much as I'm sorry you're on this shitty journey it is reassuring that we're not alone.

Jadeypie · 09/07/2025 07:26

First sending you a hug 🫠 its a hard journey to be on!!

I have pcos took me four years to conceive my ds, then took me another 4 years to conceive this little miracle im currently carrying 🥰 I did have two losses within those 4 years.

Like you I was referred to the fertility clinic. My hormones was up the wall (its good yours arnt) I went on a massive health kick and life style change which sorted that out. Then I had a hycosy (I would recommend) that showed i also have a heart shaped womb and a blocked fallopian tube.

Following week, we conceived first time that cycle.

What i did find out pcos made me ovulate alot later in my cycle cd19 to cd 23 so if your using ovulation sticks do one month checking later in your cycle. My lp was too short too which I think played a part but that went longer with my health kick.

Best of luck 🩷

TrulyMiss · 09/07/2025 07:29

Hey @frannie1512! You can get your progesterone tested 7 days before your period is due - called a 21 day blood test but obviously depends on your cycle length. This will confirm whether you're ovulating or not!

Original poster
frannie1512 · 09/07/2025 17:26

Tater05 · 08/07/2025 16:04

@frannie1512 It's difficult to find much about PCO without it being about PCOS. I did a blood test through Hertility at about 8 months into TTC and that's when my AMH was tested. I don't think the GP does it, mine didn't anyway. Not sure why as surely it's quite an important factor!

Crossing my fingers for you too! I think it's unfortunately becoming more common for it to take longer, as much as I'm sorry you're on this shitty journey it is reassuring that we're not alone.

Thanks. I might look into that then, it’d be nice to know what it is. Yes, not a fun time feeling like it’s just a constant waiting game, but as you said at least we’re not alone💓

OP posts:
Original poster
frannie1512 · 09/07/2025 17:33

Jadeypie · 09/07/2025 07:26

First sending you a hug 🫠 its a hard journey to be on!!

I have pcos took me four years to conceive my ds, then took me another 4 years to conceive this little miracle im currently carrying 🥰 I did have two losses within those 4 years.

Like you I was referred to the fertility clinic. My hormones was up the wall (its good yours arnt) I went on a massive health kick and life style change which sorted that out. Then I had a hycosy (I would recommend) that showed i also have a heart shaped womb and a blocked fallopian tube.

Following week, we conceived first time that cycle.

What i did find out pcos made me ovulate alot later in my cycle cd19 to cd 23 so if your using ovulation sticks do one month checking later in your cycle. My lp was too short too which I think played a part but that went longer with my health kick.

Best of luck 🩷

Thank you🫶🏻

Nice to hear something positive, congrats too! Around about how long was your wait for the fertility clinic? I know it might be a bit longer now but I hate the unknown.

I’ve seen quite a few others have a positive story about having a hycosy and then conceiving, is it something they tend to recommend to start with or?

I’m going to try BBT to see if I’m ovulating. Never got a positive ovulation test :(

Thanks x

OP posts:
Original poster
frannie1512 · 09/07/2025 17:37

TrulyMiss · 09/07/2025 07:29

Hey @frannie1512! You can get your progesterone tested 7 days before your period is due - called a 21 day blood test but obviously depends on your cycle length. This will confirm whether you're ovulating or not!

Yes, my doctor did do this test! My periods have been a bit longer in length lately so I think I did it around day 26. My level was 34.3 nmol/L. When I asked my doctor about it he couldn’t advise me if it showed if I was ovulating or not, so ended up a bit confused with that really.

OP posts:
Jadeypie · 10/07/2025 11:31

frannie1512 · 09/07/2025 17:33

Thank you🫶🏻

Nice to hear something positive, congrats too! Around about how long was your wait for the fertility clinic? I know it might be a bit longer now but I hate the unknown.

I’ve seen quite a few others have a positive story about having a hycosy and then conceiving, is it something they tend to recommend to start with or?

I’m going to try BBT to see if I’m ovulating. Never got a positive ovulation test :(

Thanks x

Show quote history

I crnt really rember it was a long long wait. I would say 6 months or more xx

TrulyMiss · 26/07/2025 13:41

@frannie1512 sorry I never replied, busy time at work! That level would indicate you ovulated - when I don't it's almost zero! However it's not as high as some people will have so I would ask about letrozole for super ovulation. It basically super charges the system a bit and will increase your chances!

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