FSH/LH levels inverted & low progesterone...

[rocko]

I think this is my first post to LTTC, so hello I would love to hear other women's advice who may have had the same journey as I am starting, and how they are treating it.

I've been ttc for about 16 cycles, and had suspected a short LP judging by OPKs & the little bit of temping I had done. I also had been using Vitex, Maca root and B compex last year.

I had my follow-up for the day 3 & 21 blood work... Based on hormones they are suggesting I see a fertility specialist. My FSH & LH are inverted but in the normal range and progesterone is low. DR says this suggests poor ovulation and possibly PCOS although I don't have any of the physical symptoms of PCOS. She said clomid & metformin would likely be the treatment first.

She urged me to be aggressive in seeking help as these issues get more difficult/expensive to correct with age. I prefer a more natural/less invasive approach, ie progesterone cream, diet, exercise (not that I've been very good at doing these things in the recent past.) Struggling with the medical push to treat vs following God's' plan for us. My original thought was to correct any medical hurdles but not seek fertility treatment, at least not yet... But I'm sensing there is no middle of the road treatment and am feeling the pressure to medicate.

 

[heres_hoping]

Are they sure it is PCOS? Of that is a definite diagnosis then yes there are things you can do to help naturally, but they take a long time and it is frustrating.

Firstly, change your diet to a low GI plan. The latest thinking is theat PCOS is caused by insulin resistance, so avoiding spikes in your insulin should help regulate cycles. Loads online about this.

Supplements, it's tricky, some work for some others work for others and there's really no way to know without trying them.

What is working best for me now is acupuncture with Chinese herbs. I have tried it with, and without the herbs, and I only get a benefit with the herbs in terms of regulating my cycles, at the same time I have just started my medicated fertility journey....I have been on metformn for five months, but that alone has not helped, so will be starting clomid in a couple of cycles time, after having my tubes checked.

I understand what you are saying about following God's plan....but remember He gave us intelligence to grow and develop...that includes development of medications. If you were diagnosed with any other illness, would you want treatment, or would you leave it to God's plan and see how far you got without? It can be daunting starting the medicated route, I totally get that, we have been trying naturally for 15 months now and I'm more than ready so seek medical help! That said, it is definaely worth trying what you can naturally first if that is what you are comfortable with.

Good luck with your journey!

 

[rocko]

No, not diagnosed with PCOS. dR said it was a small possibility but she didn't think it was PCOS due to the lack of symptoms.
I agree- I sought diagnosis hoping to rule out any underlying medical factors that could be remedied. I guess my apprehension is that I feel clomid is a fertility treatment, and I don't know if I'm ready for that step yet.