PCOS and Iron - Is it related?

[MillieMoo]

Hi All. I'm new the forum and this will be my first thread. Just give you a bit of background info. Me and DH have been trying for a baby for 2 and a half years now. We finally managed to get an appointment with a fertility clinic after countless visits to our GP who was rubbish. I've had a lot the blood tests done and the specialist has now diagnosed me with PCOS. A year ago my cycles were a bit hit and miss. I went for 3 months without and then it went to about 33-35 days for about 6 months. Then this year they have been at 41 days. The dr put me on metformin SR and i'm hoping it will get me onto a regular 28-31 day cycle. I am currently on one a day at the moment and have been taking it for 5 days. After 14 days it is due to go up to 2 a day. As yet i have not experienced any side effects. Is it still working? Is there anyone else that has not experienced any changes?

As well as the PCOS my iron levels are extremely low. They are at 10 when i was told the norm should be about 80. Anyway the dr also put me on Ferrous Sulphate twice a day. Is this a symptom of PCOS or is this completely seperate? Does anyone else suffer from this and if so do you know of anything else i can do to help?

Thanks in advance. x

 

[MrsRH]

Hi there and welcome,
As you say, metformin is to regulate cycles and it works partly by lowering insulin resistance which is thought to be the cause of hormone imbalance hence irreg periods in PCOS. Sorry to be so technical! Bottom line is it can take a while, every one is different. You prob need to be on your max dose for a few months to see any real difference in your cycle. Doesn't if you get side effects or not.
I donn't think low iron is related to PCOS unless you have heavy/prolonged bleeding. Low iron in very common in women of child bearing age and can be diet related as well.

Hope this helps
Rachael
xxx

 

[MillieMoo]

Thanks for that Rachael. Its so helpful to have found this forum. Its nice to find other women who are going through the same and its so nice to see theres hope for all of us. I see you're expecting. How long?

Thanks again. x

 

[MrsRH]

Hi Millie
I am 23w preg, first baby. I do feel a bit bad posting on TTC pages now I'm pregnant, but I am medically trained and like to help with medical questions if I can. I know how daunting it is TTC so if I can help or reassure anyone....

Good luck with your TTc journey, another thing to think about with PCOS is a low GI diet, slow release carbs etc. You could try googling it, Also trying to stay within your normal weight/BMI limits

Any questions you could PM me
xxx

 

[cillybean83]

I have severe PCOS and was TTC for 3 years. Metformin was a miracle drug for me. It can and probably will give you stomach issues...do NOT quit taking it! I can't stress that enough. Those issues will sort themselves out but you have got to continue taking the metformin. I used every fertility drug under the sun but the only thing that got my cycles under control and get me preggers was

1. taking metformin
2. eating low carb

PCOS is all about insulin resistance and hormones. If you cut off their source (sugar/carbs) you have a really good shot at reversing the side effects (infertility!)

Good luck to you!

 

[MillieMoo]

Thanks Cillybean.
I can feel its working already (without sounding too graphic) i can feel my signs of ovulation (mucus, cramps ect) already and icould do from about day 12, i'm now on day 14. I have always kept a BBT chart and this is the first month that i have had a regular temperature everyday so now i'm just waiting to see the rise, then i know it has happened.
I am really scared though that i won't see the rise in temperature and that will break my heart because then it will feel like its not going to work. I know its early days for me and need to give it a chance.

 

[MrsRH]

That's good news about signs of ovulation! Fingers cossed for you
Rachael
xxx