Question for those more experienced--Am about to TTC#1

MiniGidget · 05-06-2008, 04:32 PM

I have a question for those of you with more experience.

I was diagnosed with possible PCOS several years ago, although my doctor has been unable to find laboratory or other evidence that I have it. I had some thyroid problems (now controlled), gained a lot of weight (about 100 lbs), and then developed irregular periods. Losing weight has been an issue since and my periods remain irregular.

I went to see my OB-GYN and she recommended that I lose 30 lbs before trying to have a baby. I have lost 20 lbs (but can't seem to beat those last 10). My husband is ready to at least start trying. Is it worth it to go back to her seeing as how I didn't lose all the weight?

She did prescribe metformin, which I postponed taking it for 2-3 months because of the diarrhea. I have now been taking it for a month, and the awful side effects have finally gone away...so I feel much better!

Should I hold out to lose more weight or go ahead and get started? Oh--I'm about to be 29 and the hubby just turned 28. No other kids for us so far (just two dogs).

Thanks for the advice!

AngelaGrace · 05-06-2008, 04:38 PM

I'd say go back to your OB-GYN and express your desires to TTC. If she is unsupportive, find a new Dr. who is!

Good Luck!

PBLayzod · 05-06-2008, 04:41 PM

I'd start charting and ttc the old fashioned way for a couple of months. For some women (like me) Met alone is enough to help them conceive. If it isn't, you'll have your charts to show the OB when you go back. It should be pretty clear at that point if you are O'ing or not. So, I don't think you should let that 10lbs keep you from going back, but I do think you should give Met a little more time.

MiniGidget · 05-06-2008, 11:24 PM

I'm only on 500mg met....maybe I should ask for an increase?

PBLayzod · 05-07-2008, 10:49 AM

Your dose is a pretty standard place to start. Some doctors increase it quickly, so like to take it slow. If you are doing well on the 500mg, you can always call the office to ask about added another 500mg. Most of us end up at around 1500-2000mg, but some folks have success on even the small dose.

Novgirl · 05-07-2008, 01:18 PM

I would agree w/ PP's... give the met a little more time and start TTC now but chart so you have something to show your Dr. when you go back.

Keep up w/ the WL goals and when you do go back to see her just let her know you're doing the best you can. The Met (given time) may help you get the last 10lbs off. (as will the increased BDing!

)

Also as the PP said - if after that she's not on board w/ your plans, find a new Dr!!

GL!

MiniGidget · 05-07-2008, 01:31 PM

Thanks guys! My hubby will feel much better with this news! I can't wait to start!

sweetstar · 05-07-2008, 02:36 PM

Here's my expirence with all of this. I am not trying to get pregnant... yet (although when I'm married, it won't be long after that I'll want kids, so I am correcting all of this now)

But I will tell my story real quick. BTW she probably wanted you to loose a % of your body fat and 30lbs. must of been the number. So I was dx back in Sept. of last year. I started on a low glycemic diet right away, I've lost 61 lbs as of today. From that I now have my period like clock work for the first time EVER! I have short and light periods, vs. long drawn out ones and extremely irregular.

Also I started charting my basal body temperature (BBT) to see if I'm ovulating over the last couple months, I also got some ovulation testing strips just to be really sure. And.. now IM OVULATING too. I am super duper excited about that one.
I am taking no drugs at all, but intstead doing diet and exercise and it is going great.

The reason I mention all of this is because I am starting to realize that (and please understand, I am NOT saying the drugs don't work.) There are so many women on drugs to clear up all of these symptoms and it's not doing as good of a job as just eating healthy. I actually have thought about doing some classes in my area, a support group for other women with PCOS or think they have PCOS and family members. For the simple fact of awarness. I'm not saying drugs are never the key, but I think it can be fought with out them. Because I certainly wish I had someone telling me what I had YEARS ago and what to do with the syndrome.

I'm not sure what you are doing to loose the weight, but I lost 12 lbs in my first month. The first month IS the easiest and I've been pretty consistent in loosing 7-10 lbs almost every month. So it could literally be a month to two months for you to get to that ideal weight. Although I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to try getting prego now, it would just probably increase your changes greatly but loosing 10 more. Good job on the 20 lbs! That's great!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Mellon · 05-07-2008, 06:41 PM

Hi, i personally was on 500 met when i fell preg with my son, i too had the horrible side effects and my gp (brilliant man) put me on folic acid tabs and it reduced the side effects so much and helped me to fall preg, a lot of time doctors will give you a not quite exact weight loss target, you probably wont need to lose the full 30lbs to fall pregnant, any loss is a good loss. If i were you id start TTC straight away but start a chart to show your doc.
have fun making babies and good luck!
Mel

MiniGidget · 05-07-2008, 08:50 PM

Thanks for all the good advice. For some reason, I am not comfortable telling my friends about my diagnosis. They think DH and I just "aren't ready" yet to have children. I can't stand the looks of pity that they give to our other friends who are having fertility problems. There is a lot of good support on this website, and I just wanted you all to know I really appreciate it!

SandV · 05-07-2008, 09:25 PM

I would like to share my experience and opinion:

I was diagnosed over 10 years ago with PCOS, but at the time decided not to do anything about it as I was not interested in having a child. Over the last few years, since being with DH, I have changed that view. During the last 11 months, I have had many tests, researched extensively on line, as well as spoke with different Dr in regards to PCOS. Finally, I started to take Metformin due to my insulin/glucose ratio being reversed. I stayed on Met for a complete 1 1/2 months when I started to have abnormal pain and cramping during menstruation. After speaking to my GYN, I started to take Met again, but stopped once menstruation started again. In January, I took Met for the last time for 2 weeks.
During this whole period, I changed my eating habits. I made sure I ate one portion of carbs for 1 portion of protein as well as including at least 1 portion of veggies. I drank at least 2 liters of water everyday. I stopped drinking sweet juices, soft drinks, and limited caffeine to one cup of tea per day. During this 8 month period I lost a total of 26 lbs. I did not add exercise to my daily routine.
On 4/23, I found out I was 8-9 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, the fetus was attached to my tube and rupturing. The Dr who performed the surgery was not my GYN (however, she will be now). She had not seen any previous tests or ultrasounds. After the surgery was complete, as she sat on my hospital bed and spoke to me in length about my situation, Dr said she would never have guessed I suffered with PCOS. My ovaries and uterus looked extremely healthy. Her only concern would be my right tube being blocked like the left one, but once I have healed we will test.

I had decided to try to lose the weight because I know that chances of miscarriage increase tremendously due to the increased weight. I currently and reducing my carb take even further as well as increasing my vitamin intake with fresh fruits and veggies. I will also include exercise as I start to heal from the surgery. I know if I continue to decrease my weight, it will only help me when I conceive again.

This is food for thought. I hope you find it helpful.

Good Luck!

dillydaydreams · 05-08-2008, 05:21 PM

Hi,
Good luck with ttc and I wouldn't let 10lbs get in the way, plus the 10lbs might melt away if you try hard enough (for baby that is)
If you are lucky enough to fall pregnant then you may lose that 10lbs in the first few weeks in pregnancy which is quite common if you have pcos, so you go girl!!!
Baby dust to u

MiniGidget · 05-08-2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks! I'll need all the babydust I can have--DH and I have serious baby fever right now!

adlovesma · 05-09-2008, 04:07 PM

Good luck MINI now if we can spread that fire over to my dh .lol

XOXO

Adry

MiniGidget · 05-09-2008, 07:01 PM

My hubby could spare a little of his desire to have a baby! He's been guilt tripping me for 2 years now!

05-06-2008, 04:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
MiniGidget Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 13 My Mood: Points: 449.45 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 449.45 Donate	Question for those more experienced--Am about to TTC#1 I have a question for those of you with more experience. I was diagnosed with possible PCOS several years ago, although my doctor has been unable to find laboratory or other evidence that I have it. I had some thyroid problems (now controlled), gained a lot of weight (about 100 lbs), and then developed irregular periods. Losing weight has been an issue since and my periods remain irregular. I went to see my OB-GYN and she recommended that I lose 30 lbs before trying to have a baby. I have lost 20 lbs (but can't seem to beat those last 10). My husband is ready to at least start trying. Is it worth it to go back to her seeing as how I didn't lose all the weight? She did prescribe metformin, which I postponed taking it for 2-3 months because of the diarrhea. I have now been taking it for a month, and the awful side effects have finally gone away...so I feel much better! Should I hold out to lose more weight or go ahead and get started? Oh--I'm about to be 29 and the hubby just turned 28. No other kids for us so far (just two dogs). Thanks for the advice!

05-06-2008, 04:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
AngelaGrace I <3 Lip Gloss Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South-Eastern Pennsylvania Posts: 126 My Mood: Points: 4,379.09 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 4,379.09 Donate	I'd say go back to your OB-GYN and express your desires to TTC. If she is unsupportive, find a new Dr. who is! Good Luck! __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Me: Angela [25] DH: Roy [41] Married - 10.06.07 Rx: Metformin, Prenatal, Methyldopa My Blog: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-06-2008, 04:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
PBLayzod Librariless librarian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,373 My Mood: Points: 71,494.20 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 71,494.20 Donate	I'd start charting and ttc the old fashioned way for a couple of months. For some women (like me) Met alone is enough to help them conceive. If it isn't, you'll have your charts to show the OB when you go back. It should be pretty clear at that point if you are O'ing or not. So, I don't think you should let that 10lbs keep you from going back, but I do think you should give Met a little more time. __________________ Pam (32) Rob (35) Otis the Doberman (2) TTC #1 since 01/03 2003- Clomid - HSG - SA 2004- Lap - Gonal-f 2005- Break 2006- Met - BFP 10/06 Kate arrived July 16, 2007 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-07-2008, 10:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
PBLayzod Librariless librarian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,373 My Mood: Points: 71,494.20 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 71,494.20 Donate	Your dose is a pretty standard place to start. Some doctors increase it quickly, so like to take it slow. If you are doing well on the 500mg, you can always call the office to ask about added another 500mg. Most of us end up at around 1500-2000mg, but some folks have success on even the small dose. __________________ Pam (32) Rob (35) Otis the Doberman (2) TTC #1 since 01/03 2003- Clomid - HSG - SA 2004- Lap - Gonal-f 2005- Break 2006- Met - BFP 10/06 Kate arrived July 16, 2007 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-07-2008, 01:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Novgirl secretly ttc#1! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 60 My Mood: Points: 485.31 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 485.31 Donate	I would agree w/ PP's... give the met a little more time and start TTC now but chart so you have something to show your Dr. when you go back. Keep up w/ the WL goals and when you do go back to see her just let her know you're doing the best you can. The Met (given time) may help you get the last 10lbs off. (as will the increased BDing! ) Also as the PP said - if after that she's not on board w/ your plans, find a new Dr!! GL! __________________ Kelly - 27 Married To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 11.24.07 Fur Baby - Griffin Dx PCOS: 1996 2000mg Met/daily TTC 'au natural' Sept 07 to April 08 -- No O April 08 - Provera; 2.5mg Femara CD3-7 -- No O as of CD21 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-06-2008, 11:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
MiniGidget Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 13 My Mood: Points: 449.45 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 449.45 Donate	I'm only on 500mg met....maybe I should ask for an increase?

05-07-2008, 01:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
MiniGidget Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 13 My Mood: Points: 449.45 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 449.45 Donate	Thanks guys! My hubby will feel much better with this news! I can't wait to start!

05-07-2008, 02:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
sweetstar I'm a fighter of PCOS! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 35 My Mood: Points: 1,983.49 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 1,983.49 Donate	Ttc Here's my expirence with all of this. I am not trying to get pregnant... yet (although when I'm married, it won't be long after that I'll want kids, so I am correcting all of this now) But I will tell my story real quick. BTW she probably wanted you to loose a % of your body fat and 30lbs. must of been the number. So I was dx back in Sept. of last year. I started on a low glycemic diet right away, I've lost 61 lbs as of today. From that I now have my period like clock work for the first time EVER! I have short and light periods, vs. long drawn out ones and extremely irregular. Also I started charting my basal body temperature (BBT) to see if I'm ovulating over the last couple months, I also got some ovulation testing strips just to be really sure. And.. now IM OVULATING too. I am super duper excited about that one. I am taking no drugs at all, but intstead doing diet and exercise and it is going great. The reason I mention all of this is because I am starting to realize that (and please understand, I am NOT saying the drugs don't work.) There are so many women on drugs to clear up all of these symptoms and it's not doing as good of a job as just eating healthy. I actually have thought about doing some classes in my area, a support group for other women with PCOS or think they have PCOS and family members. For the simple fact of awarness. I'm not saying drugs are never the key, but I think it can be fought with out them. Because I certainly wish I had someone telling me what I had YEARS ago and what to do with the syndrome. I'm not sure what you are doing to loose the weight, but I lost 12 lbs in my first month. The first month IS the easiest and I've been pretty consistent in loosing 7-10 lbs almost every month. So it could literally be a month to two months for you to get to that ideal weight. Although I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to try getting prego now, it would just probably increase your changes greatly but loosing 10 more. Good job on the 20 lbs! That's great! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

05-07-2008, 06:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mellon Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 23 My Mood: Points: 457.73 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 457.73 Donate	Hi, i personally was on 500 met when i fell preg with my son, i too had the horrible side effects and my gp (brilliant man) put me on folic acid tabs and it reduced the side effects so much and helped me to fall preg, a lot of time doctors will give you a not quite exact weight loss target, you probably wont need to lose the full 30lbs to fall pregnant, any loss is a good loss. If i were you id start TTC straight away but start a chart to show your doc. have fun making babies and good luck! Mel __________________ Me {26} Melissa DH {23} Sam DS {2} Jack PCOS diagnosed for 13 yrs, struggling with weight and hirsutism, skin tags, and all the rest, im like a hamburger with the lot! beetroot and all!

05-07-2008, 08:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
MiniGidget Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 13 My Mood: Points: 449.45 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 449.45 Donate	Thanks for all the good advice. For some reason, I am not comfortable telling my friends about my diagnosis. They think DH and I just "aren't ready" yet to have children. I can't stand the looks of pity that they give to our other friends who are having fertility problems. There is a lot of good support on this website, and I just wanted you all to know I really appreciate it!

05-07-2008, 09:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
SandV Healing with Hope Join Date: May 2008 Location: St Lucia by way of New Jersey Posts: 17 My Mood: Points: 492.50 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 492.50 Donate	I would like to share my experience and opinion: I was diagnosed over 10 years ago with PCOS, but at the time decided not to do anything about it as I was not interested in having a child. Over the last few years, since being with DH, I have changed that view. During the last 11 months, I have had many tests, researched extensively on line, as well as spoke with different Dr in regards to PCOS. Finally, I started to take Metformin due to my insulin/glucose ratio being reversed. I stayed on Met for a complete 1 1/2 months when I started to have abnormal pain and cramping during menstruation. After speaking to my GYN, I started to take Met again, but stopped once menstruation started again. In January, I took Met for the last time for 2 weeks. During this whole period, I changed my eating habits. I made sure I ate one portion of carbs for 1 portion of protein as well as including at least 1 portion of veggies. I drank at least 2 liters of water everyday. I stopped drinking sweet juices, soft drinks, and limited caffeine to one cup of tea per day. During this 8 month period I lost a total of 26 lbs. I did not add exercise to my daily routine. On 4/23, I found out I was 8-9 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, the fetus was attached to my tube and rupturing. The Dr who performed the surgery was not my GYN (however, she will be now). She had not seen any previous tests or ultrasounds. After the surgery was complete, as she sat on my hospital bed and spoke to me in length about my situation, Dr said she would never have guessed I suffered with PCOS. My ovaries and uterus looked extremely healthy. Her only concern would be my right tube being blocked like the left one, but once I have healed we will test. I had decided to try to lose the weight because I know that chances of miscarriage increase tremendously due to the increased weight. I currently and reducing my carb take even further as well as increasing my vitamin intake with fresh fruits and veggies. I will also include exercise as I start to heal from the surgery. I know if I continue to decrease my weight, it will only help me when I conceive again. This is food for thought. I hope you find it helpful. Good Luck! Last edited by SandV : 05-07-2008 at 09:31 PM. Reason: spelling

05-08-2008, 05:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
dillydaydreams Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 124 My Mood: Points: 2,334.30 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 2,334.30 Donate	Hi, Good luck with ttc and I wouldn't let 10lbs get in the way, plus the 10lbs might melt away if you try hard enough (for baby that is) If you are lucky enough to fall pregnant then you may lose that 10lbs in the first few weeks in pregnancy which is quite common if you have pcos, so you go girl!!! Baby dust to u

05-08-2008, 10:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
MiniGidget Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 13 My Mood: Points: 449.45 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 449.45 Donate	Thanks! I'll need all the babydust I can have--DH and I have serious baby fever right now!

05-09-2008, 04:07 PM	#14 (permalink)
adlovesma Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ontario Posts: 60 My Mood: Points: 514.80 Bank: 162.36 Total Points: 677.16 Donate	Good luck MINI now if we can spread that fire over to my dh .lol XOXO Adry __________________ ~Pray ~ Hope ~ and don't worry To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Prayer is the key that opens the heart of GOD DX- March/08 Me-23 DH-40 Meeting with ENDO June 25 !!!!!! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-09-2008, 07:01 PM	#15 (permalink)
MiniGidget Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 13 My Mood: Points: 449.45 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 449.45 Donate	My hubby could spare a little of his desire to have a baby! He's been guilt tripping me for 2 years now!

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