Gonal Girls

[mizuno]

Mizuno - With my 2 gonal-f rounds (I conceived both rounds), I didn't use the HCG trigger shot (long story with the first, but that worked so well, I chose to skip it the 2nd time), so I ovulated on my own and conceived without an IUI. I'm not saying IUI isn't worth it, but it's definitely possible to #1: ovulate on your own without the trigger shot, and #2: get pregnant without IUI. GL!

cridge, I would love to stay optimistic about this, but it's a bit discouraging to see how few people have thin lining and that the therapeutic options really are limited. as ali pointed out, there are a few things I can still try to increase the lining, but as far as the medication with proven benefits goes, there is not much. I hope that this new protocol of GnRH agonist/antagonist will help delay my ovulation for long enough for my lining to get thicker, but I wonder if just adding estrogen would accomplish the same thing? I guess I'll go with my RE's suggestion this time and then suggest estrogen in the next round.

thanks for all your encouragement girls!

 

[Curliegirlie]

Welcome mizuno!

I was thinking the same as you at the beginning - that all this is so invasive as I moved from oral medication to injectables and timed intercourse to IVF - but it worked, so it was worth it in the end! It's not that bad, you'll see!

P.S. Alicat, your dog is ADORABLE!

 

[Jellz]

Hello Everyone!

I found this thread while using google and I must say you women are awesome!
I started my Gonal F cycle last night, I couldn't give myself the shot just couldn't look at the needle let alone stab myself with it (i hate needles) so I had my DH do it and i must say, it wasn't that bad.
I take another shot tonight and then tomorrow morning go in for monitoring. My RN started me on 75iu.

Here is my story in a nutshell....I got my AF at the age of 13 and it never came back. After going to the doctors for many years they finally diagnosed me with PCOS in 2006. My DH and I have been trying to conceive since 2010 and after 3 failed cycles of Clomid we decided to see a Fertility specialist earlier this year. They gave us a plan but i decided to put it off for a little bit hoping that it would happen naturally. I have done every test in the book They have all come back "normal", the only thing they find is an imbalance of hormones.
July 1,2012 I went back to the Fertility Clinic and met with a new doctor. After running some test she told me that I don't have PCOS but instead have Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. So this is where I am now, TTC with Gonal-F. Unfortunately I haven't researched as much because everything happen so quickly, so reading your stories has given me hope.

I have no idea what questions I should be asking my RN or what hormones I should be keeping track of?? So any help would be appreciated.
I am the only one in my family with this problem. My sister has 4 beautiful boys and everyone is looking at me like, "when are you having a baby!" It's frustrating because not everyone knows what I am going through.
So finding this thread lets me know that I am not alone so thank you all for hearing me and look forward in sharing my journey and reading your stories!
XoXo
Buby dust to all!!

 

[alicatt]

Hello Everyone!

I found this thread while using google and I must say you women are awesome!
I started my Gonal F cycle last night, I couldn't give myself the shot just couldn't look at the needle let alone stab myself with it (i hate needles) so I had my DH do it and i must say, it wasn't that bad.
I take another shot tonight and then tomorrow morning go in for monitoring. My RN started me on 75iu.

Here is my story in a nutshell....I got my AF at the age of 13 and it never came back. After going to the doctors for many years they finally diagnosed me with PCOS in 2006. My DH and I have been trying to conceive since 2010 and after 3 failed cycles of Clomid we decided to see a Fertility specialist earlier this year. They gave us a plan but i decided to put it off for a little bit hoping that it would happen naturally. I have done every test in the book They have all come back "normal", the only thing they find is an imbalance of hormones.
July 1,2012 I went back to the Fertility Clinic and met with a new doctor. After running some test she told me that I don't have PCOS but instead have Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. So this is where I am now, TTC with Gonal-F. Unfortunately I haven't researched as much because everything happen so quickly, so reading your stories has given me hope.

I have no idea what questions I should be asking my RN or what hormones I should be keeping track of?? So any help would be appreciated.
I am the only one in my family with this problem. My sister has 4 beautiful boys and everyone is looking at me like, "when are you having a baby!" It's frustrating because not everyone knows what I am going through.
So finding this thread lets me know that I am not alone so thank you all for hearing me and look forward in sharing my journey and reading your stories!
XoXo
Buby dust to all!!

WOW, I have never heard of that! I wonder what she found in your tests that prompted her to say you had that instead of PCOS? Very interesting! I'm not sure if I have PCOS or not. I have been told my ovaries do not have cysts, and then another Dr said they were. My blood work seems to be indicative of a mild case of PCOS, as my E2 is normal, but my LH is 1.5 times greater than my FSH. My testosterone level was slightly elevated too. I don't know anything about your current diagnosis, so I don't think I can be much help there! I too am doing Gonal F for the first time this month, and started on Monday. So I guess I'm a day a head of you? From what I read, Gonal F is the way to go. More women seem to respond to it, and do well using it. So let's hope this is our month!

 

[Jellz]

Thanks for the Welcome Alicatt!!!
Doctors said that I had a mild case of PCOS as well but the doctor that I am seeing now said that my hormone levels don't coincide with that of PCOS. She told me my estrogen levels are low but other than that I don't know what else to ask. I go in tomorrow, so lets see what she says!
Yes I am praying that this is our month
XoXo

 

[scerena]

Welcome Jellz
Hope everything goes well for you, the needles arent too bad when you get started with them its great you have your oh to help you

gl ladies

 

[alicatt]

Thanks for the Welcome Alicatt!!!
Doctors said that I had a mild case of PCOS as well but the doctor that I am seeing now said that my hormone levels don't coincide with that of PCOS. She told me my estrogen levels are low but other than that I don't know what else to ask. I go in tomorrow, so lets see what she says!
Yes I am praying that this is our month
XoXo

Jellz!

There are many tests that they can do, the best are on Day 3 of your period.

FSH
LH
Estrogen (e2)
Progesteron (p4)
Prolactin
Testosterone
TSH - if you suspect your thyroid is under/over active
AMH - only if you are over 35 (it tests for ovarian reserve)

There is a good website: https://fertilityplus.com/faq/hormonelevels.html that explains what each test result should be, and why. It helped me figure out what issues I had, because sometimes the Dr's don't really tell you much.

GL!!!

 

[Curliegirlie]

Hi Jellz!

The shots get easier and easier to do... I think nobody likes the idea at first!

As for the diagnosis - I also have hypothalamic amenorrhea. It's basically a scientific way of saying that nothing is really wrong structurally or hormonally, but for some reason, your hypothalamus is not sending out the signal to ovulate. This can happen for many reasons. Are you thin? Being underweight can cause hypothalamic amenorrhea. That's why athletes and girls with anorexia often lose their period. You don't even have to be that thin - everybody is different, and some people need a BMI of 20 or so to ovulate. Conversely, people who are very overweight can have the same problem. Other reasons could be some sickness or a tumour, but since you've had so many tests that's probably not the case. Maybe it's a mystery like with me. I stopped the pill and didn't get my period for over a year, and that's what they told me I have. I have no idea if my period will ever come back.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck!

 

[DancingDiva]

Hey ladies,

Thats me got confirmation ill be starting back on the Gonal F next week just need to wait for AF to show her ugly face. I was on this thread in April/May when i went through my first IVF cycle which was unsuccessful now im back to join you all for my 2nd cycle.

 

[alicatt]

Hey ladies,

Thats me got confirmation ill be starting back on the Gonal F next week just need to wait for AF to show her ugly face. I was on this thread in April/May when i went through my first IVF cycle which was unsuccessful now im back to join you all for my 2nd cycle.

Welcome back DancingDiva! So are you doing another IVF round? I haven't really thought about IVF yet. How do they get the eggs? That is something I have always wondered, but never really asked anyone. I hope this round is successful for you!

 

[scerena]

Dancing Diva- I remember you I think it was from my clomid thread? Anyway good luck

 

[Jellz]

Alicatt - Thank you for the website! It was extremely helpful

Curliegirlie: I am so happy to finally cross path with someone with the same diagnoses I was beginning to think I was the only one
To answer your question, I used to be thin. I danced throughout Junior High School and was a dance major in High School. This is why when AF didn't show up again after the first time, the doctors said it was normal because of the physical activity. In 2000 I stopped dancing due to a knee injury and AF has never shown (well not on her own at least) I did have an MRI done and everything is normal. So a mystery indeed my friend! I see you are expecting....Congratulations!!!

Here is my update - I went in this morning for ultrasound and Blood work and I just received a call from my RN that I'm "progressing nicely".... how exciting! I am to continue with 75 units of Gonal F and go in on Saturday morning for monitoring.
Just a quick question...when should I ask about my E2 level?

DancingDiva - Welcome back :wave:


XoXo

 

[norahbattie]

I need my gonal girls more than ever!!!!! I have been taking clomid and metformin since I was last on here and had 2 cycles where I had good response and this cycle well have 1 follicle that hasn't grown in the last 2 days and still staying at 12mm, endometrial lining is getting bigger at 7.9mm, I am day 13 today....well the story goes, I have moved from one town to another but haven't had my care transferred yet. The FS nurse was saying to take 150IU of gonal F today and tomorrow and then HCG late on Sunday, has anyone else been on clomid and gonal F?


PS congrats to the new

 

[Chiles]

@Jellz you can ask her whenever you talk to her again...or call and see. They usually will tell you, but then you have some ppl that don't care they just wanna here its good or bad. So next time just ask...I am sure she will be happy to tell you.

@ Dancing Diva, welcome back.

@norah- I remember you as well, but I don't know from which thread? I have never done the clomid and gonal combo cycle, but I have done a femara and gonal combo cycle.

Well Goodluck ladies!!!!!

@turkey when are you testing???

 

[norahbattie]

i am one of the original gonal girls...probably from page 1 or 2

 

[Chiles]

I feel bad now!!!! Has it been that long??? Sorry Norah!!! Welcome back!!

Everyone here is new and I have gotten use to them...Cridge and I are the only old heads I think! that still come around, and now you!!

 

[Turkey16]

Hey Everybody!!!

Chiles-you are such a sweetie...thanks for remembering! Tomorrow is the big day! I'm definitely nervous. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't have my hopes up as I feel like I've experienced a whole bunch of symptoms that I didn't notice in the least during my last 2 BFN cycles. I'm trying to coach myself a little this evening that it may not be good news, in spite of what seems like A LOT of symptoms. Anyway, my beta is at 9:00 am tomorrow. Crossing fingers BIG TIME!!!

Good luck and baby dust to everybody!!!

 

[Turkey16]

I need my gonal girls more than ever!!!!! I have been taking clomid and metformin since I was last on here and had 2 cycles where I had good response and this cycle well have 1 follicle that hasn't grown in the last 2 days and still staying at 12mm, endometrial lining is getting bigger at 7.9mm, I am day 13 today....well the story goes, I have moved from one town to another but haven't had my care transferred yet. The FS nurse was saying to take 150IU of gonal F today and tomorrow and then HCG late on Sunday, has anyone else been on clomid and gonal F?


PS congrats to the new

Norahbattie-this cycle I've taken femara & Gonal f, Chlomid KILLED my lining, but it's not a prob with the femara. I remember reading your posts back in the beginning of this thread, so you must've used gonal f before right?? Is it just this particular combo that's new for you??

 

[Chiles]

Turkey- I am wishing you the best tomorrow, and hoping you get a great beta back!!!! Whew you are a good one holdinf out testing til tomorrow...I and a poas addict lol. In fact I poas the other day just because I saw it under the cabinet... fx and tons of baby dust!!!

 

[Turkey16]

Turkey- I am wishing you the best tomorrow, and hoping you get a great beta back!!!! Whew you are a good one holdinf out testing til tomorrow...I and a poas addict lol. In fact I poas the other day just because I saw it under the cabinet... fx and tons of baby dust!!!

Chiles, I literally just LOL'd!! That is the funniest thing I've heard in a while! I sure hope the test came back positive!!! I don't like peeing on a stick cuz the thought of the disappointment just kills me...WAY too many BFNs in my day!!!

How's being pregnant treating you?? Are you feeling well?? Any crazy cravings?? Will you find out the sex?? How about names...are you there yet?? Haha!!! It's just so darn exciting!!! I'm really happy for you!!