Tamoxifen

[ChicaXS]

Hi all

I am about to venture into IVF in the next 2-3 months but want to try one final push at natural conception with ovulation induction. My clinic were happy to do so and prescribed me 40mg of tamoxifen to trial for one month. It’s not clomid (I wonder if this was due to my PCOS) but cannot find any stories on Mumsnet of anyone taking it? Any success stories first time round? I just wonder if it’s worth proceeding but I’d rather exhaust as much natural options before IVF.

Cheers

@EssElsiee Hello to you too! I was put on Tamoxifen because oestrogen dominance meant I wasn't ovulation and Tamoxifen temporarily blocked the release of the hormone. You're only required to take it for 4-5 days, and only before you conceive, so it's not in the system long enough to be harmful congratulations on conceiving naturally, how far along are you?

@Tecalina oh that's good to hear, I suffered from bloating with clomid along with many other side effects so hopefully it will be less this time round! Our first IUI with clomid failed even though everything looked great! Second IUI was cancelled due to follicles regressing. I had clomid for 8 months last year and got pregnant second round but miscarried at 12 weeks sadly. It hasn't worked for me since! They think I've become resistant to it hence the change in meds! So hoping this does the trick 🤞🏻 I also don't ovulate on my own, so glad it worked for you! Defo gives me hope ☺️

@Naylor19 I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles, it must have been so frustrating for you!! Will this be your first child, other than the little angel in the sky?
I really hope Tamoxifen works for you. What clinic are you using?

@Tecalina thanks lovely, yes it will be our first other than our angel baby. It's so hard when all you long for is a baby to love. I hope so too! 🤞🏻 I'm using Leicester Fertility Centre, which clinic were you using? Did you just have the tamoxifen on it's own or was it part of an IUI?

@Naylor19 I know all about that longing, we were trying for years before they agreed to test me. I could have saved a lot of time of my doctor had just accepted I knows something was wrong!
We used Create in London, and only went for Ovulation Induction to start off with. I was so sure it wouldn't work, I found a clinic in Greece we were going to use for IUI in September!
Has AF come for you yet??

@Tecalina it's so frustrating isn't it! We had to wait over a year before being referred even though I was already under Gynae for other issues relating my cycles and cervix! Wow that's so lucky, so happy you didn't have to explore IUI in the end! How is your pregnancy going? Still no AF yet sadly! Hoping she arrives by the end of the week!

@Naylor19 My pregnancy has been ok so far, but I've lost 2.5kg due to nausea and lack of appetite, so I'm hoping that stops soon as I want to be able to stomach healthy foods!
Are your cycles usually really irregular? My we're always 20 days due to anovulation, and it drove me crazy because I felt like I was always on my period!

@Tecalina aw I hope it settles down for you! I remember with my last pregnancy I was so poorly with sickness from about week 7! I had to have medication and bands to try help (not that it did) 🙈 I think all of a sudden loosing that just before 12 weeks makes sense now as our baby stopped growing at 10+5. So at least it's positive that things are progressing nicely! Oh wow that's very short! Usually my cycles are 32-35 days unmedicated. With the clomid I went down to 27-28 days.

@Naylor19 I can't imagine went you went through, losing a baby at 12 weeks, you must be an incredibly strong individual :) We had our private scan at 10+4 and now I'm starting to panic the baby has stopped growing 🤦🏼‍♀️ my NHS scan is on Thursday and it can't come around soon enough!!
Any sign of AF?!?

@ChicaXS How are you doing? It's been a while :)

@Tecalina it was incredibly hard, but i had lots of support and an amazing hubby. Just can't wait to be pregnant again! Aw I'm sure you're fine lovely, everyone feels nervous I think! Hope Thursday comes quickly for you 🤞🏻still no AF yet, annoying the one time I want her she's no where to be seen! 🙄

Hi ladies! Welcome to the thread ! :)so my experience with tamoxifen wasn’t positive but that’s merely because ovulation induction was pretty stressful and last month was not a good month at all tbh for trying. Regarding symptoms I literally had none and felt like any other cycle. My cycle was still long (it was 36 days) and the only difference I felt which I do blame the tamoxifen was an extremely painful and long period. I usually have painful periods but they have eased up this year since my TFMR. So I’m starting IVF instead as it’s the best chance for me. I did ask my doctor why tamoxifen and not clomid, and she mentioned it was due to the fact they felt tamoxifen had less side effects and was gentler then clomid but both commit the same objective. It really depends on the clinic!

Hey @Tecalina I’m so sorry for the delays it’s been so crazy at work recently and I didn’t realise the thread was still going until you pinged me! How are you lovely?!? You must be coming up to your official 12 week scan now how exciting!!!!!!! You must be over the worst trimester 1 symptoms too, I really hope they were easy for you?!
How’s the flat viewings?
We’re good, we’re getting closer to exchanging :) started window shopping for different designs, My favourite part of moving in!
We start IVF in September wooot woot! Care are amazing and I have my first scan next week which will determines when I can start the meds. I’m in a much better place where I feel like if it doesn’t happen it’s just not meant to be which oddly I never felt before. But I’m super excited as I see this as our hurdle of running a marathon on our fertility journey (though it will be a bloody long hurdle!) me and my hubby completed all the e-learning modules and paperwork which I really loved. So now it’s just starting the cycle!

I just hope covid don’t screw it up again due to a second spike! X

@Naylor19 My fingers are crossed for you, please keep us posted!

@ChicaXS Hello!!!! I'm so glad you're ok 🙂 Sorry to hear things have been crazy but then again, being busy is really good when you're going through fertility treatment! I have my 12 week scan on Thursday and I'm soooo nervous! We had a 10.5 week scan and the baby was bouncing around but I'm now worried that was the last time I'll see it alive. It's terrible, I shouldn't be thinking that way! My symptoms have eased considerably, which is a relief. I measured at 10+5 in private scan, 4 days ahead, so let's see when the NHS says!
The viewings have slowed, which is frustrating. But super exciting news for you!! You must be so relieved this part is almost over, moving is way too stressful! Hopefully you'll be in the new place before you start IVF, or at least before the stress of it all kicks in. I'm so happy for you 😁 I really hope everything goes ok, promise you'll keep us posted next week after your scan?x

@Tecalina how are you love? How was your scan? Was thinking of you yesterday!

My next scan is next Thursday, went to the clinic this week to see where I am in my cycle and of course I’m still early. Hopefully my ovaries will hurry the hell up next week and ovulate so I can start IVF. So exciting!

Xx

@ChicaXS Hello!!! My scan went really well, I measured 12+4 on Thursday. They have to do a transvaginal scan because apparently my uterus is very retroverted but once she managed to find bubba, it was bouncing around and using up all of my energy!

Did they give you any indication of when you might start ovulating (were there any small follicles or do they come later!!)? I really hope your scan on Thursday is more successful, please keep me posted!!

Another bit of good news - I accepted an offer on my flat!! I'm losing £500 on what I paid for it, but saving £6,500 on the stamp duty so I'm taking that as a win! Just need to hope the buyer doesn't pull out 🤞🏻🤞🏻xx

@ChicaXS Sorry for the very late reply, we were up north with our best friends and Antony's family, finally able to celebrate with them all!

Hey @Tecalina how are you!? 👋🏽 I’m so glad your little bubba is doing well! Now you can relax and try and enjoy the pregnancy! So much fun! I hope the anxiety has surpassed and try and enjoy the time you and Antony have alone as it’s all going to change in 6 months!!!!

My previous scan went well they saw follicles but again - late bloomer and no where near ready for ovulation. Good news I surged yesterday and probably will ovulate today so tomorrow’s scan will confirm that I have and that’s it- I start IVF! I’m basically on medication I believe from Friday or Saturday this week depending on my scan and then bleed end of next week early the week after and boom! Injections start! It’s all happening so quickly but CARE are brilliant and I’m excited about the process. The only issue I have is going IVF whilst moving. Stress on stress as we need to redecorate and furnish everything from scratch, plus move out of my flat of 12 years! 🙀
But I said to myself for egg transfer I want to be settle in the new flat or stay in my old flat. We will see!
CONGRATS on selling your flat!!! So happy for you! Honestly 500 is nothing compared to the savings on stamp duty is a win win!

Are you going to buy a new flat? Xx

@ChicaXS I will definitely try to enjoy things a bit more, but until I can start feeling bubba move it still doesn't feel very real! Had my screening results back and I'm low risk for all, so that's another weight lifted!

How did the scan go yesterday? Did they confirm ovulation?! I know nothing about the IVF process, what's the significance of ovulating? And what will the drugs do? Will try ensure your period comes at a specific time? It will be stressful going through IVF and moving house, but I know you've got the strength in you to get through both 🙂 And just think, you'll have a new home in which to start nesting!! Oh I so hope it all goes well for you!!

We will be buying a little two bed house nearer to my parents, as we'll no doubt need their help with things!xx

Happy Sunday @Tecalina !

Congratulations on the great news regarding the screening results! So happy for you my love!

So I started my meds! The scan was to confirm I ovulated so I can start medication that will essentially ready my ovaries and trigger a period! I’m on day 3 and will get my period around day 10 (I stop the meds on day 7) then boom - injections start! So next week it’s injections galore for about 12 days then egg collection. I’m so nervous as it’s my first time but looking forward to it at the same time! I have no idea what to expect honestly but it’s better then trying naturally again and being miserable at the end of the month when I get AF! I can only try!

Did you find your house yet? So excited for you!!! It’s actually fun doing viewings (if you have the time and it’s not too far!). I hope it goes smoothly🤗

How is lil bubba doing? He or she will will be moving in no time! Count 4-5 more weeks!!! Xx

@Tecalina just wanted to ask a quick question, on tamoxifen what cd did you ovulate? I had my cd10 scan today and I had two follicles but only at 11mm and 9mm. I'm going back Friday for another scan to see if they grow enough to trigger and do iui. Is it likely they'll still grow or do you think the tamoxifen didn't work, it was so disappointing today! I took 40mg cd2-5.

So sorry for the delayed response girlies!!

@ChicaXS I'm so excited for you, it's all happening!! Last day of meds today then do injections start straight away?? I completely understand you not wanting to continue naturally, at least you can say you tried 🙂

We already have a house sorted, thankfully! My folks have a buy to let we're buying off them. It's the only way we'd be able to afford to move near to them (damn London and it's ridiculous prices!!) but it's a little two bed with a huge garden so should be perfect for a little while. Hoping for a completion around the end of Nov, providing everything goes smoothly!

I think bubba is doing ok. Because I've got a retroverted uterus, my bump is currently growing backwards, so I'm still comfortably in my normal jeans at nearly 15 weeks. Naturally I'm worried this all means bubba has stopped growing, but I'm hoping my uterus will correct itself and I'll pop suddenly in a couple of weeks 🤞🏻🤞🏻x

@Naylor19 I had a big follicle (can't remember how big exactly, I think maybe 18-19mm??) on cd 11, injected myself that day and ovulated on cd 13. But I'm sure it's different for everyone. What did the clinic say? Were they concerned at all?? I really hope everything goes ok with the scan tomorrow, my fingers are crossed for a nice big follicle!!

Xx

@Tecalina the clinic didn't say much tbh just that hopefully they'd continue to grow and I'd be ready Friday. Just hoping that's what they've done 🤞🏻 Be frustrating if not, as this will be my second cancelled iui. Not long until I find out either way now at least x

@Tecalina congrats on moving into your parents! Will they be living with you in the beginning or moving straight out? Are you going to redeco your mother’s favourite work? 😛🤪

We’re about to exchange, the estate agent is pushing for next week but I want to wait so we move 1st week of October. The reason why is that it will give us time to save the extra money as unfortunately I won’t be physically moving straight away as I’m uncomfortable moving and doing IVF at the same time. It’s too risky and stressful so I decided to wait to move until the egg transfer and the pregnancy test. That way I’ll know when to ease up on my body etc. So it means paying rent twice for a couple of months!

I start injections either Monday or Tuesday. Waiting for my period then on day 2 I start for 12 days of multiple poking! 🥺 I think I’ll be fine but one of the injections has a big ass needle!

You will pop! I know one of my friends that didn’t pop until 7 months it was insane! She looked normal for most of her pregnancy but some body shapes are different aswell as you mention introverted uterus! Your baby is growing - she will pop out in no time!

Xx

@Naylor19 What news from Friday?x

@ChicaXS No no, I'm not moving into my parents' house 😂 Sorry, I wasn't clear, my parents own a second house in Morden and we're buying that from them. I wish I could afford the house they live in!

I think you're being sensible, waiting until you know whether the ivf has worked or not. I acted like I was made of glass for the two weeks between ovulation and bfp, I kept thinking I'd ruin my chances if I did anything at all 🙈

Did AF arrive yesterday or today?? Don't look at the needle, take your mind to your happy place 😁😁 x

@Tecalina good news thankfully! I triggered this morning and we're having our IUI tomorrow ☺️🤞🏻 just took a little longer for my follicle to grow but was big enough Friday and my lining was 9.2 so keeping everything crossed for this round! x

@Naylor19 That's fantastic news!! Does it all happen in the one appointment tomorrow? X