How has your TTC been with PCOS, any suggestions? Thoughts?

[Jessicajgraeler]

I am new to the board and honestly didn't think to even look for a PCOS board!  I am very excited to be on here, and although we all have things that are harder to deal with then the average couple TTC, I am excited to know its not only hubby and I, and get that support from others. 

I have PCOS of course, and when I started this TTC journey I was not having regular cycles, shortest cycle was 35 days average or one every 3-4 months!  My Dr. started me on Metformin 1500 mg in the evening and my prolactin level was way high and my progesterone was way low...  So I started taking Dosinex to lower my prolactin level and after several months, it finally is at the level we need it to be.  The progesterone level is still to low, so I am taking Prometrium now, I hate it, the side effects are horrible, I am depressed, paranoid of everything, non trusting, headaches and prob the worse is the cramps.  

I have researched a lot about PCOS and it seems that the major issue is not ovulating.  From what the Dr. said, with my prolactin level where we want it, I might ovulate at any time, but with PCOS its a waiting game to see if I am.  I have been charting temps and ovulation tests with no signs of ovulation.  I have been on different medications for years to TTC, and ladies I am tired, I cant do it.  How do you guys deal with this? I cant justify feeling like this on the prometrium for the x amount of days I have to take it, and still not know if I am ovulating.  Am I incorrect by understanding that the likelihood that I will ovulate on my own with PCOS, even with levels where we want is way low, if I even ovulate?

I have read about a lot of natural things to try, but have never heard anything other then the sales pitch from the company, not from real people.  I made an appt with my hubby and I to both go in and discuss the idea of clomid with the Dr.... I dont know what else to do, July will be 3 years TTC and it is really wearing on me!   Any ideas ladies? Natural things you have tried? Does charting and ovulation actually work with PCOS? Are you ovualting at all? If so, early or late in cycle?

Any help is great, thanks ladies.  

[IndianaJones]

Most docs never expect good results right away, but it can happen.  We had 7 long yrs of trying to conceive before being put on metformin.  I was pregnant in less than 30 days with our first and less than 60 with our second.  You can get pregnant quickly, but if your progesterone levels are low then you won't carry for long.  Those levels need to be on the money to keep your pregnancy!!  I almost lost our first b/c of low progesterone levels.

I wouldn't suggest trying clomid until you've been on metformin for at least 6 months.  It's cheaper and your body may need longer to adjust to the meds and get a regular cycle going.  Plus, PCOS and diabetes go hand in hand, so you need to start eating right to fight off any pre-diabetes/diabetes signs that will hinder you getting pregnant.

[Jessicajgraeler]

Thanks for the info, I have been on Metformin since Feb. 2010!

[qtnik]

I didn't use meds, just diet. I dropped the sugar low enough to ovulate and shockingly got a bfp after 3 months. I know I've been lucky!

I got diabetes at 10 weeks though so keep a good eye on your sugar intake!