OPKs for PCOS (I knowyou shouldn't use them but...)

[yellowflowers]

Hi,

I have pcos so know that opks are useless as I may have multiple LH surges. But I got some free so am trying them out.

I think I got a positive today. Am I right in thinking that although you may have multiple LH surges up until you do ovulate, once you have actually ovulated you won't get any more?

thanks x

No, it is quite possible to have multiple LH surges throughout the month anyway (particularly so if PCOS is an issue) and not all surges are immediately followed by ovulation.

Realise they're free but really these are a waste of time. You just end up tying yourself in knots thinking about the supposed result.

Thanks Attila - I agree, think they are waste of time and difficult to read. But got free pack of 20 so going to carry on and see if they correlate with what temps show.

Can I just barge in on this thread to ask a related question? Do either of you (or anyone else!) know - if I have had consistently negative results on the OPK's does that mean that I do NOT have consistently raised LH levels? Or does it just mean absolutely nothing at all? I have PCOS

I'm getting bloods done to check my LH: FSH ratio and various other things... am just being impatient really cause I'm very worried about this, since raised LH levels (very common with PCOS) seems to mean a higher chance of resistance to the various ovulation induction therapies, plus a higher risk of recurrent miscarriage.

Any advice very welcome, thanks

So long as you do not read anything into either the chart or the OPK's then fair enough. Am only glad you have not had to pay for the blooming things!!.

Where are you at with the hospital currently?

Hi 2ndDestiny,

re your comments:-

"Can I just barge in on this thread to ask a related question? Do either of you (or anyone else!) know - if I have had consistently negative results on the OPK's does that mean that I do NOT have consistently raised LH levels? Or does it just mean absolutely nothing at all? I have PCOS"

I would say it means nothing on the OPK, you need the blood tests results to be sure. I would not read anything by OPKs if PCOS is present as they can be misleading at best and wrong at worst. It is not adviseable to use OPKs if PCOS is present.

"I'm getting bloods done to check my LH: FSH ratio and various other things... am just being impatient really cause I'm very worried about this, since raised LH levels (very common with PCOS) seems to mean a higher chance of resistance to the various ovulation induction therapies, plus a higher risk of recurrent miscarriage".

This was me as my LH compared to my FSH was a lot higher. I was not given clomid for that reason and was also told that I ran a higher than normal risk of miscarrying.

I was offered injectible drugs but due to funding issues ovarian diathermy was offered instead. Am now a parent as a direct result of that surgery.

any other questions just ask

Attila

Hi Attila

Thanks for your reply. Stories with happy endings always give me hope

Guess I just need to be patient and wait a week for these blood results, then take it from there (I've made my GP do a whole battery of hormone tests, she thinks I'm nuts)

Did they do anything for you to manage the higher risk of miscarriage, or was it more a case of luck?

Thanks again

There is evidence to suggest that high levels of LH can be a contributory factor in miscarriage.

The diathermy surgery reduced the level of LH in my bloodstream and thus encouraged ovulation. However, this op is not a cure (there is no one therapy or treatment that will eradicate the cystic follicles) and it does not always work. I am forever grateful that in my case it was successful.

Was also prescribed progesterone pessaries up till week 12 of my pg.

Hi attila - that is kind of you to ask. Have transvaginal scan on Tues (hopefully will also tell me whether I have ovulated this month or whether I am about to - that would be great to know). Also have day 21 bloods coming up (twice as cycle length varies).Have to arrange DH sperm test. Follow up appt at hospital in Aug.