Hi everyone, I'm new to TTC, PCOS, and an out of control body that I'm trying to keep in check!
My husband and I have been TTC off and on. I was dxd officially with PCOS in January, and have had documented cysts since age 11. I did 3 mos of Provera and Clomid due to AF going away for 2 mos and AO for longer. The clomid actually made me feel so much better! I have heard horror stories about it, but it made me feel normal again and I LOVED it. However, I started getting stressed about getting pg and it was causing some tension so we decided to stop it for a while and see how it goes. I went back on BCP but for some reason didn't tolerate it, although I had been on it before with no problems. I stopped it after only one month and now here I am! I am pretty sure I ovulated this month but am not entirely sure as we have stopped trying for the summer and I have not been paying any attention.
Right now I am just scared my body is going to go crazy and out of whack if I don't start taking meds again, but I don't know what to do. My doc told me that the only way to keep my hormones balanced is to either take BCP or to take fertility to make myself ovulate. He said I could try doing nothing and see if my body cooperates, and for now it is but I don't know how long that's going to last.
I have been told I have insulin resistance (on my neck and under my breasts. I just had 6 skin tags removed and there are many more still to pop up). I am wondering if Metformin would help me out, as I get hypoglycemic attacks every once in a while, usually when I am hungry. I try to carry snacks and sugar with me, which helps. I was tested for diabetes 2 years ago due to frequent yeast infections, which came back negative. Ever since I stopped taking BCP the yeast infections have gone away, which I LOVE!! So there is another reason I don't want to start that again.
Also, this might sound strange but I have been told to get my iron levels checked by my jeweler. My wedding band keeps turning gold (it's supposed to be white gold) and they said it could be due to iron deficiency, because my body is taking it out of the ring. I have had a fatigue panel done by my PCP many times and iron always comes back normal, but I do have low vitamin D levels, which I take a supplement for. I am due to be retested for that this week.
I just feel like I am constantly going to the doctor and I hate it! I am 25 years old and should not need to have a 2400 dollar per year health budget in addition to insurance! I try to keep a positive attitude though and take it in stride. The sooner I can find out how to keep my hormones balanced the better. So I will gladly pay any amount to have that!
I'm sorry, I tend to write a lot - but does anyone have any suggestions as to what to ask my OB/GYN for med wise? I would appreciate any feedback.
I would definantley ask about Metformin, especially if you're having hypo events. Realize that they might want a fasting glucose before they'll give it to you. I went in Tues, and asked to up my Met (no problem), and run some labs. We ran all of the following: DHEA, TSH, T3/T4/total thyroid (I'm on meds for thyroid), testerone (free and fixed), prolactin, cholesterol (total work up, not just a number), ferriten, TIBC (if you're needing to check your iron, you need the two right in front of this note). He also did a glucose strip (said I didn't need the fasting ATM) and a couple of blood test to check enzymes that signal that I'm developing diabetes (since I didn't research these, IDK as much about them.) I know that most of these are what others have listed as a basic beginners lab work for a gal with PCOS. I know that others have other meds they take, I just started spiro, so I can't tell you much about it. HBC isn't the drug for everyone, and if you're TTC and havn't tolerated them well with the provera and clomid in your system, you shouldn't take them IMHO. Especially with the hypo incidents, I would fight to get checked for IR and if necessary start Met. It doesn't effect your TTC, and some of the ladies here swear it helped them prevent GD while pregnant. IDK about the other meds while activley TTC/ not preventing conception, you'd need to check with other/your doc to figure that one out.
My doc told me that the only way to keep my hormones balanced is to either take BCP or to take fertility to make myself ovulate. He said I could try doing nothing and see if my body cooperates, and for now it is but I don't know how long that's going to last.
Are you otherwise healthy? (ie You exercise every day, and are at your ideal body weight and composition?)
If that's the case, you might want to visit the Thin Cyster boards to see what type of treatments are specific to them.
If that's not the case, lifestyle changes really are the foundation of any pcos treatment plan. Many cysters are able to normalize, or at least 'better' their hormones with significant changes to diet & exercise.
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Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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Thanks for the info! I am in a normal weight range, not my ideal but I'm getting there. I stay pretty active and I have modified my diet over the last year to be healthier and lower in carbs and sugars. It has really helped with my fatigue, which I love! I will head over to the thin cysters and see what I can find out. Thanks a bunch!
If you are trying to get pregnant and your insurance covers it, go see and RE (reproductive endocrinologist). Most GYNs do not have enough experience helping you conceive if you have PCOS. Hopefully you are already with a dr who has some interest in this, but if you aren't, don't be afraid to find a new one. My Gyn admits he doesn't know everything, consults with an RE and knows when to send me to one. You should also demand the same. If you are spending good money to get pregnant, you want someone who can give you answers and/or results.
Good luck and here's hoping a baby will come soon.
Any Suggestions on Meds to ask for? 
I try to keep a positive attitude though and take it in stride. The sooner I can find out how to keep my hormones balanced the better. 
