Confused and frustrated

Straggletag · 11-03-2009, 07:13 PM

Hi there, I am only a newbie and having PCOS has never really affected me until now (Lack of periods, no acne and no hirsutism). Myself and my DH have been TTC since July this year. I went off the BCP pill in June and have not had my AF since then.

After two OBGYN visits (Aug & Sept) and a series of blood tests and ultrasounds my OBGYN referred me to a RE. I am just back from the appointment and I feel I am running around in circles. The RE has scheduled me for Beta HCG test and if it comes back negative will put me on Provera to induce my AF. Once I get my AF I have to go for a Hysterosalpingogram to make sure my tubes are not blocked.

I know I am rambling but when he mentioned provera I assumed that this was going to help me ovulate but after reading up on it all it does is make you bleed. He never mentioned Clomid or Metformin and now I am worried that I am wasting more time doing tests and appointments than actually TTC.

Is this the normal route for PCOS suffers to go? I am 35 and feel that my time is running out. I am also getting very depressed about not being able to work out if and when I ovulate at all. My husband is 10 years older than me and already has 3 kids and I had to strongly convince him to try for one with me. I fear if I don't get pregnant soon he will change his mind.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks S

Eumie · 11-03-2009, 07:17 PM

Either she's going to wait for the HSG to prescribe fertility meds or she wants to see how the first cycle after provera goes for you. I'm assuming the previous.

If you have questions, call and ask. Get a second opinion if you're concerned she's not going to be aggressive enough.

Plus, remember that 35 today isn't like the 35 of yesteryear!

michelle84 · 11-03-2009, 07:21 PM

Hi S,
What you are going through was what I also went through initially after a year of ttc naturally with no luck. During that year, I only had two periods...
What they are doing sounds right, they are checking to make sure everything is okay with your body before they will recommend clomid(I'm guessing).. I was recommended Metformin(which made me sick) right away but all doctors are different.
The Provera will only bring on a withdrawal bleed which your doctors might use for more testing. For example, I had blood drawn on my first "day 3" to check for certain hormone levels and such.
I bet the doctor will speak to you more about your options when he gets results from the HSG, and when you get your period from Provera.
Good luck! It's a long and stressful road but this is a great site for support and answers! I find myself looking on here all the time with my own questions!
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pauliesgirl935 · 11-03-2009, 07:29 PM

i was going to say the same thing michelle said. they'll do a beta to make sure you're not pregnant. and then start provera to induce AF. my RE did "day 3" levels too. and i'm pretty sure my HSG was scheduled for a particular time in my cycle (this is the test to make sure your tubes are open).

your RE will be able to look at the bloodwork & get more info about your ovarian reserve and also get info from your HSG. and he'll probably set up another consult to discuss your next step - for example, clomid isn't going to do very much if your tubes are blocked.

HTH GOOD LUCK!

Straggletag · 11-03-2009, 07:41 PM

Thanks so much for help - I don't feel so bad now. I suppose I just have to be patient!

wannaova · 11-03-2009, 07:41 PM

One other thing to keep in mind is that you would start Clomid on a certain day of your cycle. If you don't have a period on your own, the RE uses Provera to get you to bleed so start with a clean slate so to speak. Typically you would start clomid in the first week of your cycle. It's pretty standard for the RE to run all the tests before coming up with a plan because if you're tubes are blocked or your FSH is too high, it would determine the course of treatment. The first month is a lot of blood tests and ultrasounds, HSG etc, but after you finish all that, the next month you'll be on the medications. I know if can be frustrating, but don't despair -- just take it one step at a time!

WifeyC · 11-03-2009, 07:51 PM

I went to see an RE after I was already on Clomid thanks to my OBGYN. I also had already had the HSG done. But, most REs want to have a good HSG before prescribing fertility meds. They want to make sure your body is in check before starting a treatment. Good luck on the journey!

Straggletag · 11-03-2009, 07:52 PM

Thanks Wannaova - I am trying to run before I can walk!

Irish81 · 11-03-2009, 08:52 PM

I am fairly new too, but if I were you I would tell your doctor what you want after doing some research. I think the most important lesson I have learned is to really speak my mind in these visits, even if it feels to the point of being pushy! Ask your doctor if those are options you should explore and if you think that they might be for you, then let him know why. I wish you all the best of luck.