PCOS and Pregnancy

[spring2007]

Anyone else trying to get healthy so that they can conceive?

I went off the pill in April 2005 so that I could figure out what is going on w/ my body so that when the time came TTC then I would be ready :) Well, needless to say that was 2 years ago and I am heavier now then I was then...but that is all going to change this time because I really want to have children soon. I was diagnosed last May with hypoglycemia. I am taking 500 mg. of Metformin but will be increasing the amount next week...the doctor said I could work my way up to 2000 mg. I just had to take it slow and let my body adjust.

Next year this time I want to be a much healthier person that has a better handle on my body!! :D

Anyone else in a similiar situation? Would love to hear from ya!!

[rodmick]

Hi Spring! I'm definately not trying to get pregnant but I do have pcos and diabetes(which came after many years of hypoglycemia). I had totally given up on the pcos years ago. However the Dr put me on metformin for my diabetes about november and WOW did it help the pcos!!!!!!!! I have had regular period. I had no idea met also treated pcos. I recently had a pcos friend get pregnant after several months on met! Now thats great news!

Best of luck!

Best of luck to you!

[aprils0909]

Good luck TTC. It's a long, hard journey for a lot of women (myself included). My aunt had PCOS and I have "unexplained" infertility on my end and morph issue with my husband. Double whammie. 2 IVFs later, I'm LCing for me. It would be a miracle to "oops" get pregnant after so long, but I'm happy to be in your support group and hope for the best for you!

Congrats on joining the LCers and congrats on your motivation to become a parent!

[spring2007]

Thanks everyone for the motivation and encouraging words!

April- I hope that you do get pregnant! That would be awesome! You'll be in my prayers!

[Virtuous]

Yes I will be praying for you. The most important things is you just continue to LCing and worry about Pre. later, because you want your body to be able to handle it carrying the baby. You will be pregnant befor you know it. Keep us posted

[tsh10]

I'm very happy to have found a support group around LCing and PCOS. I've been struggling with its symptoms for about 10 years. I was finally diagnosed with PCOS around Jan 06. I went on Metformin and lost 20 lbs in about 7 months. My cycles returned to normal and my metabolism seemed to be back to normal (I slowly added complex carbs back into my diet and it didn't seem to matter). I made the huge mistake of going off of Metformin thinking that I am Ok. Well, I gained 10 lbs back in a few months. So I've started taking it again, and I'm starting to loose weight (along with LCing of course).

PCOS is very confusing. Looks like each woman exhibits different symptoms. I agree with Virtuous in that we should continue LCing as it really helps.

[Vivi88]

I also have PCOS and have done Atkins several times for about 3 years each time with success. However, I got off for the last 2 years and although I my gain was only about 20 lbs, it's a lot for me (i'm only 5 ft tall). Anyhow, I am as heavy as I was after delivering my son seven years ago and although I've been able to loose weight easily before, it's harder now that I'm close to 40 :( . My struggle is only made worse because DH and I have been trying to conceive our 2nd child for the last 2 1/2 years (reason i got off Atkins) and have been unable to. I've gained weight due to my carb loaded diet plus a load of fertility treatments. My OB has decided to put me on Metformin starting next cycle (15 days) and I've decided to go back to LCing. I am barely going to start tomorrow but decided to come back to the forums that helped so much years back to see if anyone out there is going thru the same things I am.

April and Spring... my prayers are with you. TTCing is a very hard journey and one that I've been on for much too long. I've "given up" so many times only to find that we want a 2nd child too much to stop trying. Hopefully LCing in conbination with Met will do the trick. Here's hoping!

So good to find you guys! :wave:

[Mrs.K]

I have been woried about being able to concieve my whole life, I have always had very irregular periods. The main reason I am doing LC is to losse weight and control my PCOS in order to hopfully have children. In January after a few months LCing I got pregnant. I had a miscarriege in march (on our aniversary) the Dr. told me that many woman misscarry their first pregnancy and especialy in the first three months and to loose weight before trying again. It could have been stress, it could have been my weight it could have just been one of those things that happen. But after a couple months of depression and crying I dicited to look on the bright side... At least I can get pregnant. I never thought I could before. I know in my heart had I not been lowcarbing it never would have happend.

[gawdess]

I am here and LCing, althought not trying to conceive anytime in the visible future. I was diagnosed with PCOS last fall after I began missing periods and having odd cramps throughout the month in my uterus. I've lost a ton of weight on Atkins a few years back, but got bored and stopped after a year. I am back and hoping this will be an alternative to me going on Met. I am also supplementing with herbs/vitamins.

[ppuffy3859]

Hey Ladies!

Just stopping in-I have PCOS and it made it very difficult for me to conceive-I was going for months at a time w/o tom, also had fibroids. Within three months of going back on lowcarb, I got pregnant. Insulin regulation or lack thereof plays a huge role in fertility. Also get the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility and chart your temps on the Fertility Friend website. That is the only way I really knew when I was ovulating b/c the periods were so erratic. Best of success to everyone ttc and otherwise!

[ICanDoThis]

I was dx'd with PCOS several years ago. They told me I probably wouldn't be able to have any children. I have 2 children that were complete accidents. I miscarried twice and took another 4 years for the first child, 7 years for the second (each time with a little weightloss) and miscarried 3 years ago. I've steadily gained weight with a few forays into LCing but haven't gotten prego since 3 years ago. I'm hoping to get prego one last time before I turn 40 (in 2 years.) I'm back on my metformin and plan to also take the Provera the Dr. gave me to enhance the metformin or something. I can't remember exactly what its function is, but within 1 month of taking it 3 years ago, I got prego, then miscarried 3 months later. Although I've taken it several times since, it hasn't worked again. I think it has to do with the excess weight I'm carrying. Hoping steady weightloss will help...

[mlk18sHuny]

Hello everyone! Just wanted to pop my head in here: My DH and I had been trying to conceive since June of 2005. I thought I would have trouble as I have always had trouble with my periods and cramps. Turns out I have PCOS and endometriosis. I started on Metformin in September of 2006 and treated my endometriosis with medication for three months from February - April. In June I found out I was pregnant.

I wish you all the best and I hope that your journey will be what it is meant to be. Have faith, patience, and don't give up!

[Nantucket]

I am of a different mind then some:
If you want to have a child start it now....there is no way to know if your body will ever be 'baby ready' and the risks get so much higher with pcos as you age and you never know how long-in some cases years it will take to concieve.

(It took me 5 years of trying EVERYTHING by myself-excercise, herbs, homeopathics etc before I found the right doctor for a PCOS looking to have children. A Reproductive Endocrinologist)

I have 3 children all of whom were concieved with different meds and fertility treatments. Metformin worked in conjunction with Clomid for my second child but is never worked again after that-it also never made any difference with my pcos symptoms or weight.

-I was 25 and 240 pounds when I concieved Hannah (100mg Clomid cycle #1)
-I was 26 and 270 pounds when I concieved Joshua (100mg Clomid/1500mg Metformin cycle#3 and I miscarried 2 of 3 fetuses.
-I was 28 and 275 pounds when I concieved Isabella (clomid resistent after cycle, 5mg of Femara[Tomoxofin] )
-we are going back to try for #4 when I reach 270 pounds-the last weight I got pg at)

I have more experience with PCOS and infertility then I wish anyone had so if you ever need to talk I'm around!

GOOD LUCK

[ICanDoThis]

I'm starting to think another child is not in the works for us. It's very hard to say that, but It's been 8 years since I had a child. I may be getting too old, and my body isn't cooperating. I am, however, grateful for the 2 girls I have. I wish everyone blessings and continued faith that their bodies will in time work and give them their heart's desire...

[Lvn2QTPies]

Hi there!! Yes, I had problems with PCOS and getting pregnant. I didn't know what was wrong for 2 solid years, until I did research myself (my OB wasn't helping my at all), and figured out that's what it was. So, I went to a fertility doctor who prescribed Metformin for me. I had already started dieting and lost close to 50 pounds, and after losing my weight and being on Metformin, I got pregnant within a month of trying. Now I have 4 wonderful kids! I wish you the best of luck!

[Goolu]

Anyone else trying to get healthy so that they can conceive?

I went off the pill in April 2005 so that I could figure out what is going on w/ my body so that when the time came TTC then I would be ready :) Well, needless to say that was 2 years ago and I am heavier now then I was then...but that is all going to change this time because I really want to have children soon. I was diagnosed last May with hypoglycemia. I am taking 500 mg. of Metformin but will be increasing the amount next week...the doctor said I could work my way up to 2000 mg. I just had to take it slow and let my body adjust.

Next year this time I want to be a much healthier person that has a better handle on my body!! :D

Anyone else in a similiar situation? Would love to hear from ya!!

MEEE!
I dont have a doctor; but I am doing atkins and I feel that is enough!

[Mrs.K]

Hi Ladies! I just found out I am 3 months pregnant! And while I was hoping to loose more weight before getting pregnant for health reasons I could not be more happy. I have had VERY irregular period since I was thirteed 0-4 periods a year, when I am LCing they get better but not always perfect. I have not been on birthcontrol for years, thinking I didnt really need and at the same time hoping for a miralce. So ladys if I can do it you can too. I weigh 390lbs and have "infertle'' forever. I was not on any med only LC alothough I did try NAC whether or not it helped I dont think so. Any way I just wanted to let you guys know the great news. Now I just need to find a Dr that has experience with preg. women my size... may be hard to find.

[mommy2jess]

congrats, Mrs. K!

I've been ttc for 15 mths now. I got pg w/my dd w/no problems, but I had lost 110 lbs (and hadn't been dx w/PCOS yet). I think weight has a tremendous effect on ttc, especially w/PCOS. My ob said if I just lost 20lbs it would make a huge difference.

[cmcd1070]

When I was married I was in my early 20's and trying to conceive. I had always had problems with my periods, even though I wasn't overweight during most of that time. I had non-ovulatory cycles. My cycles are not 28 days, they are more like 35 to 40 days. After several years with no success my doctor put me on Provera to regulate my cycles and Clomid to start my ovulation. I had 2 miscarriages, it was devastating and I still grieve the loss.
My marriage began to fall apart, maybe it was the stress, maybe it was my mood swings, I don't really know. I felt like I was losing my mind at the time. Looking back it's just a blur of unhappiness.

After I turned 30 I started to lose hope, I was beginning to feel that my fate was not to be a mother. I continued to meet people who were not interested in having a child, especially with someone struggling with fertility.
I have thought about trying to conceive on my own, with sperm donors but I never wanted to be a single mother. I know that it happens to a lot of people, but usually it's not planned. And when you aren't married and you talk about trying to concieve, most doctors just look at you with confusion and concern.

I'm so happy for women who struggle with fertility and end up with children. I know how devastating infertility can be. I felt like I wasn't a woman, I couldn't do that one BASIC thing all women are supposed to be able to do. I felt like such a failure. What joy you must feel when you finally bring your child into this world. I'm very happy for all of you :rheart:

[Dewi]

So is there anyone else out there TTC now? I have an appt with a RE next month. Just finished going to my new nurse practitioner and was welcomed with open arms. I'm hoping that my pap is aok. She was very positive and did not put me down for being a plus size pcos woman wanting to have a baby. Unlike my Primary Care phycisian that brought up adoption. I am very excited at the prospect of trying again even at my current weight. Tina gave me a month's worth of prenatal vitamins and she told me that the RE I selected is very good.

[Malishka31]

I was told all the dam time by random doctors that i have PCOS , even though i had my period for a whole year normally. I also have a septate uterus. Anyways, i was pretty much told that i would miscarry no matter what or i wouldmt get pregnant. I got pregnant despite all that from the first try-- it was a shocker because we werent "really" trying, we were thinking it would take years!

My point is that, no one freaking knows anything when it comes to PCOS and stuff, atleast not in my case. And the more you "try" to get pregnant i think the more you freak yourself out. Just have sex for the enjoyment of having sex.... who knows, you might get preggers b4 you even realize it.

Not that i am out of the woods yet-- i have to get past first trimester to remove my 80% chance of miscarriage.

[karouka]

Malishka, congrtulations!
Wonderful news! :)
I wish you the best!
Keep posting please! :wave:

[Malishka31]

Thanks. I am not that excited about it though. A part of me has this alarm going off in my head "OMG MY LIFE IS OVER I AM A FREAKIN MOMMY!"

I have this really big fear that when someone asks my husband "define your wife " he will say "she is a good mommy" or something like that. I just dont want to be defined by being a mommy.

Also, dont ware your men out with " i am ovulating lets do it" becuase you will really HORNY when your pregnant and well you know, husbands are useful at that time.

[karouka]

...."Also, dont ware your men out with " i am ovulating lets do it" becuase you will really HORNY when your pregnant and well you know, husbands are useful at that time." :lol: :lol:

I find yours a really strong personality so I think you have the courage to self-define yourself whatever pleases you! :thup:
Don't worry about little things or future issues :cool:
Please, enjoy your experience (every possible way!) ;)
Greetings

[dmrodz]

Hey ladies!

WOW! I'm not happy almost everyone here has PCOS but, at the same time, I am; because that means we've got each other for support!!! :D

I was also diagnosed with PCOS since ~2000 and so the docs started a OC treatment. I had to change OCs about three times because they were too strong for me! I stopped taking the OCs about two months ago because my Hubby and I are TTC and surprisingly, my period has been very regular and, up until now (knock on wood) my eggs haven't developed into cysts--which makes me very happy!

I was also diagnosed with R.Hypoglycemia and I've been LCrbing for about two years. My diet's carbs are always organic and I eat red meats to a minimum but it has really helped out a lot! I never dewveloped any weight problems due to the hypoglycemia except for losing weight too fast!! At the beginning of the LC diet to monitor and stabilize my blood glucose levels I lost a little weight and was scared of losing too much of it; so sometimes I eat a bit more than usual! Does anyone know why this happens--I'll keep researching just in case!

I've never heard of the Met treatment for both PCOS and Hypoglycemia but I do know that Hypoglycemia may cause PCOS and viceversa. I'm going to tell my OBGYN and ENDOC. Thanks for the info!!

I hope everyone gets healthier!

[Goolu]

I wouldn't worry about what they say; you really just need to keep your carbs under control and you will be fine. I know many women who have had a baby with pcos.

For me carbs is a BIG problem so I havent conceived and may never.

And i will also say ENJOY it! Because many of us PCOSers will never get to experience it! Its hard to see someone down when they have what you want and should be happy!

I was told all the dam time by random doctors that i have PCOS , even though i had my period for a whole year normally. I also have a septate uterus. Anyways, i was pretty much told that i would miscarry no matter what or i wouldmt get pregnant. I got pregnant despite all that from the first try-- it was a shocker because we werent "really" trying, we were thinking it would take years!

My point is that, no one freaking knows anything when it comes to PCOS and stuff, atleast not in my case. And the more you "try" to get pregnant i think the more you freak yourself out. Just have sex for the enjoyment of having sex.... who knows, you might get preggers b4 you even realize it.

Not that i am out of the woods yet-- i have to get past first trimester to remove my 80% chance of miscarriage.

[Malishka31]

Thanks guys, but i will be quite frank--- there isnt "that" much to enjoy. I know i am preggers against all odds type of deal, but i am freaking tired, sleepy, achy, bitchy, ..dude i annoy myself! I am actually more worried about the septate uterus from this point on, i never really gave into the whole PCOS thing because i wasnt always irregular. I was for about 3 years, then took birth control pills because that is supposed to help, but they make you fat, so i got off of birth control pills and had a normal period for a whole year. But i still showed polysistic ovar and some of the other symptoms, hairyness and stuff. But only 1 gyno said- NO PCOS IF YOU GET PERIOD, every other gyno, even a freakin endo said I have pcos instead of doing their research to find something else that could have been wrong. I mean the gyno that said No to PCOS only said it like 4 years after i been told i have it.
My biggest issue was always septate uterus. For one there is minimal research on it, and scondly, the gyno i went to for my prenatal, didnt even know what i was talking about and couldnt understand the transvaginal ultrasound! my misscarriage thing is mainly b/c of the septate uterus, like my septum might not move out of the way or implatation might have been on the septum. With PCOS i always felt in my head that if weight was under control PCOS would be under control and I could manage some offspring, but i guess witht his septate uterus thing, i dont feel it.... ohh lets not add on the fact that my prenatal visit pap smear showed HPV positive + abnormal fast changing cells. BLAH! I feel i have like everything wrong all in one area.

[march2812]

I've been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. This is my 2nd round of clomid fertility treatment. I had endometriosis removed last month from one of my ovaries. I'm also on metformin and recently started low-carbing.

I'm using the Creighton model/Na Pro Technology route. Basically, it's NFP, but with some added science.

My doctor in St. Louis calls it a war. We have to get one good egg and 1 sperm to meet up, it's just getting it there that's the problem. So, we are working on strategy.

Needless to say, as my period started today I'm a little down. It'd be great to be a mom.

[Zuleikaa]

I've been trying to get pregnant for 3 years. This is my 2nd round of clomid fertility treatment. I had endometriosis removed last month from one of my ovaries. I'm also on metformin and recently started low-carbing.

I'm using the Creighton model/Na Pro Technology route. Basically, it's NFP, but with some added science.

My doctor in St. Louis calls it a war. We have to get one good egg and 1 sperm to meet up, it's just getting it there that's the problem. So, we are working on strategy.

Needless to say, as my period started today I'm a little down. It'd be great to be a mom.Vitamin D is very helpful to women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant.

It's also beneficial for the motility of sperm.

[tiffanie10]

I thought I couldn't have kids. Went to several doctors and tried for about 10 years. Then I gave up. Lost a bunch of weight and bought a house thinking I couldn't have kids. I got pregnant four times in a row. I lost the first one, but I now have a 9,7, and 6 year old. Lose some weight and your periods will return and pregnancy can happen.