Advice on ovulation testing and trying to conceive with PCOS

[JSmart13]

Looking for advice really, I’m very new to ovulation testing. I was diagnosed with PCOS in May 2023 and have been trying to conceive baby number 2 for a few months now. Been taking pregnacare vitamins, omega 3 and inositol for months and now been on Metformin for about 5 weeks now. On 1,500mg (3 tablets a day). Been ovulating testing over the last 2 weeks trying to test atleast twice a day.

First picture attached put my peak on CD25 with a reading of 0.94 then dropped back down and then rise back up again. Second photo attached are my tests from today as you can see my afternoon test went up to 0.86 and then my evening one gave a reading of 1.08 moving this reading as my peak.

so did I actually ovulate on Saturday or am I ovulating now. Have had some EWCM and cramping on right side. Is it normal for your LH level to rise, then go back down slightly and then rise again.

anything would be helpful.

thank you
jas

PCOS can often cause an elevated baseline LH with multiple surges so the traditional test strips aren’t always that reliable. It may be more helpful combining with temperature measurements and symptom tracking e.g. changes in discharge etc? There should be a consistent rise in your temperature after you ovulate so combining all of these will hopefully give you a better idea. I hope that is somewhat helpful and wishing you all the good luck!

@TinyGroot yes I did read this regarding PCOS. I have been trying to remember to do my temperature in the morning but not always best remembering when trying to get my 7 year old ready for school. But will try and track is from tomorrow. Regarding symptoms had headaches, pains on right side, EWCM, been quite sexually active, and lower back pain. Fingers crossed. Thank you for your reply

I was told by the specialist to throw all my ovulation tests out because they're a waste of time and energy with PCOS and they only cause unnecessary stress. I took her advice because I already had enough to worry about and I felt much better and less stressed.

If I had to remember/find the time I would never manage to track my temp so I totally get that it’s not ideal, especially with a 7 year old to get ready! There are some reasonably cheap tracking rings (think Oura but without the price tag) if you check online. They don’t give you your specific temp but they do track changes/trends so will show a consistent increase post ovulation, that way you can forget about it altogether so long as you have it on and it’s charged. Hopefully those symptoms mean ovulation 🤞