BMI under 30 but told to lose weight...

[Dm123]

New to this so apologies if I get anything wrong.
Been trying for 1.5 years. I’m 26. Diagnosed with PCOS today but very mild (regular periods, not heavy or light). Ovulation tests gave positives matching apps.
Gynaecologist just said, come back in 6months and try healthy eating and excercise. I said “I’m a size 14 and my BMI is under 30”. (I also cried because I’m a general emotional mess). She said to lose weight and come back in 6 months.
Is this normal. Should I have to try for 2 years without external help because the doctor says size 14 and a BMI under 30 needs weight loss?
Thanks in advance :)

A BMI over 25 is overweight, so I’m not sure why you would have an issue with the suggestion to lose weight if it may help you to conceive naturally?

Mild pcos and no other issues suggests that just getting to a normal BMI might make you fertile again.

Size 14 does suggest that you are pretty overweight. Being overweight obviously affects fertility.

There's no point in throwing money at you, if you can easily help yourself.

And she said six months, not two years.

As PP have said a BMI over 25 is overweight. It won't hurt you to lose weight, it'll only benefit you. Eat healthy, exercise and try to stop worrying.

I have PCOS, and very irregular, very painful, very heavy periods. I also have three children conceived with no help. I know it's frustrating, I know it hurts to see everyone else with their babies. But hang in there, follow the doctors advice and most of all relax. It'll happen.

Unfortunately in some areas you need to be trying for 2 years before you are eligible for help.
Personally I don't see your weight as being a problem. I have had ivf on the NHS and their cut off for bmi was 30. I think mine was 29.4 at the time.
I have also paid for ivf privately and the max bmi is 32.

Losing 10% of your body weight can kick start ovulation. At your age it's a perfectly reasonable suggestion assuming your BMI is over 25.

When I was ttc I read that the optimum bmi for fertility is 22 - not too thin, it overweight. Believe me, if you can avoid the stress of fertility treatment by losing a few pounds, it will be worth it.

Hi DM123

I'm currently waiting for ivf treatment.
The last time I was at the clinic the doctor told me to lose a few kg's. I'm not massively overweight but she said it would help with preparing for ivf.
My DH was shocked when she said it, but I'm guessing every little helps. :)
I didn't have to try for 2 years till I started getting tests etc to see what was wrong, but it'll be 2 and a half years by the time I get ivf.
I'm guessing you are maybe younger? And that's why you have to wait?
Good luck in your journey. :)

My friend had this, except her BMI was only 26.5. It may well be coincidence that she conceived the month after she lost a stone (taking her BMI into the healthy range) but who knows! I’d try it.

Thanks so much for all your advice. I will crack on and try to relax :) The doctor also said, children at age 27 is very early, there’s no rush.

A friend of mine had PCOS and infertility her whole life and was classed as infertile. She did slimming world, lost a stack of wait and fell successfully pregnant twice in her late 30’s and early 40’s!!

Weight 🙄

My sister had the same advice, we were a bit shocked because she doesn't look very overweight, more kardashian-esque (the rest of us were envious of anything!). Who knows if that was it, but she lost fairly quickly using myfitnessPal, started swimming, and got pregnant soon after that. Good luck!