PCOS Questions? ...

[kit603]

I'm sorry if this is quite a long post but i'm a bit stressed out at the minute and I really want to know more about PCOS. I thought i'd ask in here because there seems to be more discussion of PCOS in this forum than in general TTC. My partner and I made the decision to start TTC this month, but i've not had a period for around 8/9 months now. After being to see my GP she's done a fair bit of blood work and seems quite sure that i'm not ovulating. In fact, has pretty much confirmed I have PCOS - I have an ultrasound to confirm this later today.

My GP mentionned that I have most of the 'big' symptoms - lack of periods, hair growth and weight gain. She said that acne is another symptom and I don't have that although I do have have increased spots. The weight is a really big problem for me - i've gained approx. 5 stone in 18 months despite maintaining a balanced diet and doing a reasonable amount of excercise. Is the weight likely to come off when i'm treated for PCOS or will I struggle will this forever now?

Also, I have a history of depression and i've only recently stopped taking anti-depressants, the GP has said this might also be linked. I don't feel like I have much support from family and i'm worried about how this will affect things. Although my partner is there for me, he's very closed off emotionally and whereas I tend to sit, discuss, cry, chat, discuss some more etc he tends to deal with things very quietly and in his own way. Then, my sister has said that i'm "doing it for attention" (referring to being stressed about PCOS) and my mum has said that "i'm stressing over nothing" just because my aunt has PCO and has three children! They don't seem to understand that i'm very upset, and that the severity of PCOS is different in different people. Or am I the one that's overreacting?

Really I want information about how to manage this and what to expect... have browsed the internet to death but its all so clinical and I want to know what to really expect from people in the same boat.

 

[Kiki09]

Hi, I have pcos and do not ovulate, I do have periods,my cycle varies from between 32 - 37 days. I have a friend who has pcos and never has a period, however did go on to have 2 boys via clomid, so there is hope for us!

PCOS is known for increase in weight gain, I think how much depends on each individual, the trouble is it is very hard to lose weight with PCOS.. this is where people struggle, though again, there is help and you can get specific diets for pcos sufferers as we have different needs and triggers, excercise does help also, agian you can get specific excercises (I have read this on the internet where a personal trainer specialises in people with pcos, she suffers herself)
Clomid is used successfully with pcos sufferers and does seem to have a good success rate. There are things you can do that your GP can talk you through, Clomid is available on the nhs but you may only be given the tablet not all the scans that you would get if you went private. Each region offers something different so best to talk to you GP.

Also, there is a great team thread on here for us PCOS girls, you will get lots of advice and support in there

Hope I have helped a little

 

[kit603]

Hi, I have pcos and do not ovulate, I do have periods,my cycle varies from between 32 - 37 days. I have a friend who has pcos and never has a period, however did go on to have 2 boys via clomid, so there is hope for us!

PCOS is known for increase in weight gain, I think how much depends on each individual, the trouble is it is very hard to lose weight with PCOS.. this is where people struggle, though again, there is help and you can get specific diets for pcos sufferers as we have different needs and triggers, excercise does help also, agian you can get specific excercises (I have read this on the internet where a personal trainer specialises in people with pcos, she suffers herself)
Clomid is used successfully with pcos sufferers and does seem to have a good success rate. There are things you can do that your GP can talk you through, Clomid is available on the nhs but you may only be given the tablet not all the scans that you would get if you went private. Each region offers something different so best to talk to you GP.

Also, there is a great team thread on here for us PCOS girls, you will get lots of advice and support in there

Hope I have helped a little

That does make me feel a bit better Kiki Especially the bit about your friend because i'm not having periods and desperately want children so it definitely gives me hope. Although, as far as I can see i'm not having periods and i'm not ovulating either (as per GP's results) so it would be pretty impossible to get pregnant right now lol.

With regards to the weight, I don't want to use PCOS as an excuse but i've been trying hard to lose weight but in the last 18 months (ish) i've gained around 5 stone. Is that normal?

 

[Kiki09]

My friend did not have periods or ovulate either, she needed help to get her going and they did that with clomid and they monitored her closely, so you do have a chance!!! Go and ask your gp..

Re the weight thing, I would say that a lot of it could be down to pcos if not all, I know people really do put the weight on, so again, would talk to your gp, also ask her to check your thyroids as that can cause weight issues. I have under active thyroid too and my gp told me that with having pcos and thyroid problems, I will never be a size zero lol, though I am lucky in that so far I have not really gained much.

 

[TTC2Long]

PCOS is most definitely a depressing diagnosis, but just remember it could be much worse!

I have PCOS (which tends to be pretty severe) and I have had two children NATURALLY (I was on clomid before Riley but ended up conceiving naturally on an off cycle) and since Riley was born my body has been working well all on its own. So you have no reason to feel you won't be able to have kids. It may be harder for you than fertile frannie down the road but it can be done!

As far as PCOS going away, that won't happen. With the right treatment and ample weight loss *some* women can get it into a remission of sorts. However, there is currently no cure for PCOS.

As far as the two being related, its possible. When I am anovulatory my body satys in perpetual pre-ovulation and I am over run with CM and ovulation pains, but everyone's body is different, and everyone's body reacts in different ways to the syndrome. This would be a question best answered by your doctor.

Alot of ppl just don't "get" PCOS because as you said its different for everyone. If you have no one IRL that understands its probably best to save yourself the torture of trying to find comfort there. Online message boards have become my outlet, maybe you should consider doing the same.

Now, to get your body back in gear has your doctor made any recommendations? If not, I would definitely bring up metforimin to them. Its technically a diabetic med but has been proven to help in PCOS cases, even in those which aren't insulin resistant. Second, in order for you body to even have a chance at ovulating your going to need to reset your cycle by inducing AF. Your doctor can give you something to do this. Clomid would also be a likely step but you would need to talk to your doctor about it. Charting would also be a logical step. Since I charted my doctor didn't feel the need for constant monitoring during the clomid cycles, as charting allows me to know exactly what is going on within my own body without using blood tests and ultrasound. In fact, the fact that I charted help me realize problems my body was having while on clomid and helped the doctor know that I needed a higher dose. Charting is an invaluable tool when you have PCOS. If you need more info on charting I would be gald to help but I won't go into it unless you ask.

Good luck and fingers crossed for a speedy conception and a sticky pregnancy!

 

[kit603]

Re the weight thing, I would say that a lot of it could be down to pcos if not all, I know people really do put the weight on, so again, would talk to your gp, also ask her to check your thyroids as that can cause weight issues. I have under active thyroid too and my gp told me that with having pcos and thyroid problems, I will never be a size zero lol, though I am lucky in that so far I have not really gained much.

I've had my thyroids checked already, about 8 months ago and then again about a month ago and they're fine so its nothing in that department...

Alot of ppl just don't "get" PCOS because as you said its different for everyone. If you have no one IRL that understands its probably best to save yourself the torture of trying to find comfort there. Online message boards have become my outlet, maybe you should consider doing the same.

I think you're probably right there - i've had more helpful support and advice on this forum than I have from my friends/family. Although that said, I've just had the ultrasound and seeing it confirmed has made my partner a lot more supportive and i'll be seeing a Gynaecologist to discuss treatment soon.

Now, to get your body back in gear has your doctor made any recommendations? If not, I would definitely bring up metforimin to them. Its technically a diabetic med but has been proven to help in PCOS cases, even in those which aren't insulin resistant. Second, in order for you body to even have a chance at ovulating your going to need to reset your cycle by inducing AF. Your doctor can give you something to do this. Clomid would also be a likely step but you would need to talk to your doctor about it. Charting would also be a logical step. Since I charted my doctor didn't feel the need for constant monitoring during the clomid cycles, as charting allows me to know exactly what is going on within my own body without using blood tests and ultrasound. In fact, the fact that I charted help me realize problems my body was having while on clomid and helped the doctor know that I needed a higher dose. Charting is an invaluable tool when you have PCOS. If you need more info on charting I would be gald to help but I won't go into it unless you ask.

Good luck and fingers crossed for a speedy conception and a sticky pregnancy!

Thanks, I wouldn't mind some advice on charting and i'll definitely discuss those options with my doctor. I've *just* like 45 minutes ago had my ultrasound to see how bad things are and its quite severe but haven't discussed any treatment yet because the doctor wanted an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis first