Just been diagnosed with PCOS - what next? need support!

[kat08]

Hey Guys

Just returned from GPs and been given results of Ultrasound. I have PCOS and she is referring me to a gynaecologist who will work look at clomid. I am just wondering what to expect and what the stages are?

Can anyone help?

Kat

 

[Stardancer]

Are you in the UK? I ask because they seem to do things differently in different countries. I believe the standard course of action is to try Metformin first, then Clomid. I've heard about / read about and known alot of people who wanted Clomid but had to try Metformin first. There are good results with Met if you're insulin resistant.

Did you have bloods done? If they know it's PCOS, and not PCO, I'm assuming you have - those will tell you if you have insulin issues. When I saw the specialist, they made me lose weight before they'd help me, and that also tends to be 'the way' if you're over about 33 BMI. Hope this helps some, if you have any specific questions, ask away!

 

[genkigemini]

I am in the US and I have PCOS. I was also given Met first and then moved onto Clomid.

Seriously, getting diagnosed is the biggest step for you because now that you know that you have PCOS, your doctors will be able to treat you for the most common problems that come along with the syndrome.

A few questions... Do you have regular cycles? Are you overweight or diabetic? Do you know if you ovulate? Those are all really important questions when trying to conceive with PCOS.

Good luck on your journey and feel free to ask with any questions!

Sarah

 

[kat08]

Thanks for all your help just thought I would answer some of the qns you asked:-

1. Re blood tests I had those in Sept and nothing was found
2. Then went for ultrasound a couple of weeks ago and they said they had to do an internal to see properly! Got results from GP yesterday and she said I had enlarged ovaries with a no. of cysts consistent with PCOS.
3. I don't have any of the other symptoms associated with PCOS (excess hair, weight gain, acne etc) all I do have is the irregular periods and I am unsure if I ovulate or not.
4. Doc has referred me to a specialist (I live in UK) and has suggested I would be put on clomid but you seem to suggest Metformin? How long would I use that for first?

Couple of qns for you ladies:-

1. How long do you try Metformin before you try Clomid?
2. How long on Clomid before you try something else?
3. What is the next step if Clomid doesn't work?
4. How do you know if the drugs work? Do you have to have blood tests?
5. What are the chances of multiple pregnancies?
6. I don't have a weight issue but are there any other lifestyle changes I can make to help with PCOS and infertility?


Thanks Ladies!

 

[Stardancer]

1. If it works probably indefinitely - as in, if it makes you ovulate there's no reason to try Clomid. On the other hand, they may not leave you on it forever if you don't achieve a pregnancy...
2. 3-6 months usually... but some people are on it longer - again, if it's working they may leave it longer.
3. I believe the next step is IUI, but I'm not 100% certain. Metformin and Clomid are usually highly successful in PCOS.
4. Metformin - if your periods come back and you're ovulating then it's working.. Clomid - CD21 blood tests to confirm ovulation.
5. With Clomid, around 10%. Metformin, none.
6. There are some really good books out there, but if you don't have an issue with weight, you're halfway there anyways.

Hope this helps

 

[kat08]

You are a star thanks for your help!

 

[genkigemini]

Couple of qns for you ladies:-

1. How long do you try Metformin before you try Clomid?
If it works, I would just say on Met but if not, my doc and I gave it 3 months. When it was obviously doing nothing for me, I discontinued it.

2. How long on Clomid before you try something else?
Everyone's doctors vary ont his somewhat but my doc will not let me be on Clomid for more than 6 months. Next month is month 6 so I will be SOL on the Clomid after that.

3. What is the next step if Clomid doesn't work?
Depends on exactly what is going on with you but the next step is usually either injections with IUI or IVF. For me, as an example, my next step would be IVF.

4. How do you know if the drugs work? Do you have to have blood tests?
I have internal ultrasounds every month to see if I have a follicle.

5. What are the chances of multiple pregnancies?
With Clomid, I think your chances go up by about 10% but I honestly have not met anyone preggo with Clomid twins. Rates for multiples is MUCH higher in IVF patents.

6. I don't have a weight issue but are there any other lifestyle changes I can make to help with PCOS and infertility?
I would look to see if you are insulin resistant. (That is what Met treats. If you are, then you may want to watch your sugar intake, etc.) If not, I would just say lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and other than that, don't stress too much about it!

Good luck with everything!

 

[kat08]

Thanks genki

 

[mayflower]

Hi Kat - not seen any of your other posts, so sorry if have misunderstood you, but surely if your bloods were clear, you don't have clear sign of other characteristics, but you have polycystic ovaries, then chances are you have pco not pcos. And to be honest the 2 conditions are quite a world apart.

Is it possible your gp doesn't really know the difference?

For example, I have polycystic ovaries clearly seen on vaginal ultrasound, but bloods are fine and so obvious signs of other physical symptoms. So I have pco not pcos.

Pco in no way affects my life, the only thing it affects is the monitoring and drug regimes I can be given for ivf as my ovaries are likely to overrespond. Similarly (am guessing here) but wld have though that scanning wld be required on clomid cycles in case your ovaries over-respond? maybe someone else can help with that?

In fact, was told if bloods came back showing pcos then they wld give me metformin for couple months before trying.

Am in UK.

xx

 

[kat08]

Thanks Mayflower I too am in UK and it could be that GP got it wrong and its PCO rather than PCOS I suppose I will know more when I visit gynaecologist

 

[pixielou]

Hi kat, try a website called 'verity' which is specifically for ladies with pcos!
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