TTMA: PCOS

[blackcat]

DH and I have been TTC since the first of the year but, as I've mentioned before, I've been having some cycle issues. I had a pap and blood testing last week and got the results today. Diagnosis is PCOS. I had a feeling that was going to be my dx not it is still a hard one to get. The little of research I've done over the last few hours lines up very well with my symptoms. Difficulty losing weight, unwanted hair, irregular cycles, etc.

So, give me your best PCOS advice, encouragement, research, management/treatment recommendations.

[wisco]

Hey lady: sorry about the DX, but I hope you can find a treatment plan that works for you! I was diagnosed several years ago, and was originally treated by my OB, but then quickly moved to a RE to get monitoring as I read some horror stories (either on TB or TCF) about OBs prescribing clomid without monitoring your cycles (which is what my small town OB was going to do). I'm extremely thankful that I sought treatment because my RE also discovered I had severe endometriosis which was also causing issues. Anyway, the RE put me on metformin right away (2000mg/day extended release) which helped regulate my cycles (before that, I would bleed for months on end, or go months without a cycle) and it also helped me stay away from carbs and lose some weight (which apparently it doesn't do for everyone, so no promises). If you Check my signature (trigger warnings) you'll see that I can get pregnant (even naturally sometimes) but need progesterone supplements to stay pregnant. My RE has decided that our best course of treatment is femara to improve follicle quality and quantity and a HCG trigger shot to force ovulation before an IUI...but we are a little more aggressive than most PCOS patients because of my severe endo. Then I'm on progesterone suppositories through week 13 of pregnancy. My progesterone levels are devastatingly low on their own.

Additionally, once I got my DX, I did a bunch of research and decided to do a whole30... the results were amazing. I think it really helped level out my hormones and some of the changes stuck, like I try to stay away from gluten and only eat full fat milk and yogurt.

So...I know I just threw a lot of information about my path out there...heh, so please let men know if you have any specific questions! There is a lot of information out there, and several different form of PCOS, so my biggest piece of advice is to fine a good RE who is patient and will educate you about the syndrome and what steps you can take to encourage success! And...if anyone is prescribing you any meds to induce ovulation, make sure they are monitoring you via ultrasound mid-cycle to check your follicle numbers and the thickness of your uterus lining!

[blackcat]

Thanks wisco! I'm really just starting to get my head around the dx and starting researching PCOS. I'm seeing a general practitioner right now. I live in a rural community and the closest obgyn is 45 mins away, I'm not even sure if they have a RE there, I might have to go 1.5-2 hrs away for that. It's something I'm going to look into. I go for a ultrasound as soon as I can get it scheduled.

I think the hardest part of this right now is the PCOS causing secondary infertility. I have 2 kids and it was relatively easy to get pregnant with them. I really want to have a 3rd kid soon but this is standing in my way of that dream.

I have started the pill for now. Our plan is to do a few months and recheck hormone levels in 3 months.

[bonzo]

I don't have any PCOS specific advice, but wanted to offer internet hugs! This stage of getting a diagnosis can be heartbreaking and isolating. It's tough. But the IF community here is very supportive, and full of information. Come over to the IF board when you're ready!

[orangehibiscus]

I have PCOS, and it sucks getting that diagnosis. Big hugs!

Are you ovulating at all? I do, even on my own, but I have long cycles (even very long cycles). Since I was ovulating, I waited 1 year before going to an RE (I'm under 35).

Women with PCOS tend to respond better to Femara than Clomid, and we did 3 attempted TI (timed intercourse) cycles with Femara and Femara + Dexamethasone. All 3 were cancelled because I'm a very poor responder.

Just because you have PCOS doesn't automatically mean that you will need treatment. It doesn't guarantee infertility. Plenty of women with PCOS conceive naturally and carry babies to term.

How many cycles have you had since you started TTC? Some of the best things for TTC with PCOS are Metformin, low carb diet, and weight loss. I also started a supplement called myo inositol with my 3rd attempt at Femara + TI. My RE approved that supplement.

If you're ovulating, I would recommend waiting a year to see the RE. Some people go straight to the RE. It's up to you.