I went to the doctor a few weeks ago due to having long cycles (40+ days) and she ordered a ton of blood tests to rule out any problems.
I went back to the doctor last week to get the results. The doctor told me I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS. In short this is a condition in which there are small cysts on my ovaries. After reading about the symptoms, it was scary to see how many I have.
I have been trying to wrap my head around this diagnosis for the last week. Though Christopher and I have not started trying for our family yet, this diagnosis could potentially make our journey a little longer than we thought. I am thankful that my women's intuition (and charting) helped us get an early diagnosis.
So, what do we do from here? We get a plan and move forward, is what we do!
So here it is, here's our plan:
1. Lose some weight: My doctor says I'm 10 pounds overweight and would like to see me loose that first.
2. Progesterone Supplements: I will be on progesterone for the last 14 days of my cycle every month. Women with PCOS often don't have enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy.
3. B6 Supplements - B6 will be used to shorten my cycle length. Here is a great article about B6.
4. Green Tea Extract - The green tea extract will be to produce a nice environment for a baby. To see more details, here is a great page with facts about green tea.
5. Prenatal Vitamins - It's a good idea to be on prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive so that the vitamins are in your system before getting pregnant.
6. Clomid: My doctor would like to see me go on Clomid also but Christopher and I have opted out of this option right now. I go back to the doctor in August and we figured we would discuss it then.
I debated about sharing here about all of this news but I'm hoping that by sharing what we are experiencing that I can meet other people going through the same or who have gone through similar situations. So, tell me your story, I'd love to hear it!
I went back to the doctor last week to get the results. The doctor told me I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS. In short this is a condition in which there are small cysts on my ovaries. After reading about the symptoms, it was scary to see how many I have.
I have been trying to wrap my head around this diagnosis for the last week. Though Christopher and I have not started trying for our family yet, this diagnosis could potentially make our journey a little longer than we thought. I am thankful that my women's intuition (and charting) helped us get an early diagnosis.
So, what do we do from here? We get a plan and move forward, is what we do!
So here it is, here's our plan:
1. Lose some weight: My doctor says I'm 10 pounds overweight and would like to see me loose that first.
2. Progesterone Supplements: I will be on progesterone for the last 14 days of my cycle every month. Women with PCOS often don't have enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy.
3. B6 Supplements - B6 will be used to shorten my cycle length. Here is a great article about B6.
4. Green Tea Extract - The green tea extract will be to produce a nice environment for a baby. To see more details, here is a great page with facts about green tea.
5. Prenatal Vitamins - It's a good idea to be on prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive so that the vitamins are in your system before getting pregnant.
6. Clomid: My doctor would like to see me go on Clomid also but Christopher and I have opted out of this option right now. I go back to the doctor in August and we figured we would discuss it then.
I debated about sharing here about all of this news but I'm hoping that by sharing what we are experiencing that I can meet other people going through the same or who have gone through similar situations. So, tell me your story, I'd love to hear it!
15 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear that, Christy! We, too, went through a PCOS scare late last year. I had a lot of the symptoms, but the tests came back negative. I remember how stressed I was at that time, though, so you guys will definitely be in our prayers! Hopefully you'll have your Caroline or Trey soon! (Because in my mind, those are so OBVIOUSLY the best names you've chosen. haha)
if you go on babycenter.com and click on the 'community' tab they have lots of groups with women with PCOS...there are some TTC and some who are currently pregnant and those that have had successful pregnancies...you pretty much can choose which groups you want to look into and talk to other women about their experiences.
Christy, I am so sorry you are dealing with this! I'll be praying for your TTC journey!
Sometimes just knowing what's going on and having concrete things to do that will help makes all the difference. Good luck to you and your husband.
I'm so sorry about this diagnosis, Christy. My doctors originally thought I had PCOS and I did a lot of research on it at the time. Just know that there are many, many pregnancy success stories for women with PCOS. It sounds like you have a great doctor who is taking all of the right steps in helping you have an easy, successful time TTC.
Good luck!
So sorry for your diagnosis. As a fellow PCOS-er I know how much it stinks.
B-6 is super beneficial! You could also look into vitex.
Cutting out sugar is also one of the best things you can do as it directly effects hormone production! I also have a lot of info on my blog about "real" foo diets and how they help.
Clomid doesn't have to be the only option. And it's also been shown to increase the rates of miscarriage. Most likely because we're forcing our bodies to do something it's not ready for.
Good luck!!
Wow! Thank you so much to all of you, for all the support.
Donielle-I will def. have to read your blog for tips on food.
Allison-Thank you so much for the recommendation on the chat board.
I don't know if this is a family thing, but I also was diagnosed with PCOS.. luckly we are not ready to start yet! My doctor actually put me on the Depo shot, so I can focus on my health and not my horid "periods." Then when we are ready, she said I would need the progesteron help, etc.
So, now that our mom's know this, they should lay off for a while! :-p
Sounds like you are on the right track to be ready soon!
-"Cousin Callie"
Hey there...just stopping by for a late visit from Connect MEme Monday! Hope you're having a great week! I'm your newest follower...
Thank you all so much for the support. I really appreciate it.
www.husaileybunch.com - Thank you for joining. I look forward to your comments
Callie- We'll think of it this way..I'll figure it out first, then by the time you're ready. I'll let you know what works ;)
I was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago and we have been TTC without luck since then. I will be starting Clomid if my next cycle ever starts! I am also taking metformin to help with my PCOS. If you want to email me, feel free! giamynia@yahoo.com
I'm so sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with PCOS. I, too, have PCOS, and as you know, it is not fun. I'm glad, though, that you know this ahead of time and don't find out after a year of TTC like many people do.
I have been TTC for 3 1/2 years and last October, we got pg and I always love sharing the golden ticket that worked for us, particularly since your doctor wants you to lose 10 lbs. I recently posted an ICLW post and included a few links to this special diet that my RE swears by. He is the #1 IVF doctor in my state and this protocol has worked for several people that I know.
Wishing you all the best and so glad that you are being proactive!!
Christina
the subfertile frugalista
Sorry to hear about your struggles. I have been hearing a lot about PCOS lately, that must be so hard. I don't know that pain but I did suffer a miscarriage last week...I am going to be 31 soon and want to have a baby really badly...so I totally get it.
I will think good thoughts for you!
http://thepursuitofmommyness.com/
Oh Kelly, I'm so sorry sweetie!
Christina - I will def. be checking that out. Thank you for your help
Sorry to hear about the PCOS diagnosis!
By the way, I have a giveaway you might be interested in on my blog...
http://emilyisland.blogspot.com
(giveaways listed at top left).
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