PCOS and periods have stopped

[nellym]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping for some info and advice.

I have recently been diagnosed with PCOS after ttc for 12 months. After my last appointment with the FS he referred me to have the die test however I am now over 70 days since my last period (longest cycle ever) so unable to get the test done. I have also had mild period pain for about a week.

I have another appointment with the FS next week, after postponing a previous appointment already.

Just wondered if anyone can tell me what to expect in the way of treatment. My husband also has fertility issues so IUI or IVF is inevitable but I still need to get the tests done.

Also I have heard all kinds of funky side effects with ovulation drugs like clomid, does the treatment for forcing periods have similar side effects?

[frog]

Hi nellym!

I know how you feel, it is so confusing when you first get the diagnosis, and it seems the more info you look for, the more confused you get! I think everyone has a different experience entirely and what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another.

My period disappeared last May, and my (former) doctor kept fobbing me off, telling me to just wait for it to come back. In November I started to get really worried, and after looking online for some more info, I realised that a lot of the symptoms I had pointed to PCOS (excess hair, no period, huge amount of unexplained weight gain, very irregular and heavy periods since I was 16) so I went to a different doctor, and she was so concerned that nothing had been done. Long story short, did some tests, and got referred to an endocrinologist who confirmed PCOS. Started straight away on metformin (to help with weight loss, due to the insulin resistance caused by PCOS, which in turn with weight loss should return periods, and help hormone levels) and Vaniqa topical cream for the hair. Doctor doesn't want to approach Clomid etc unless absolutely necessary, apparently the side effects aren't much fun. So I started watching what I ate, and exercising, along with the metformin, and have so far lost 6kg, and my period just returned this week.

My partner also has fertility issues, no sperm, but he has germ cells after treatment with Pregnyl injections (HCG) weekly. That is a start, otherwise we will need to look at donor sperm perhaps (not keen, but you gotta do what you gotta do!)

Anyways, I have a thread here that I am trying to update regularly with our progress.

I really wish you all the best, keep your chin up, it can be treated and we still have plenty of hope to have the babies that we pray for! Keep in touch, sometimes its just nice to have someone that is going through the same thing to vent to!

[Rowellen]

Hi Nellym,

I think the die test is to check the shape of your uterus & make sure your tubes aren't blocked. They told me it wouldn't hurt but might feel a bit uncomfortable. They were right - it didn't really hurt but I passed out! I think that I'm just a freak though. Re forcing a period, my FS just told me to take the pill for a few weeks then stop it - voila - AF. It may not be right for you though. I had 90+ day cycles when I was prescribed metformin & a low GI diet. It brought my cycles down to about 40-48 days, and I started ovulating again. It was enough to conceive my DS even though my DH had a low sperm count. Metformin does have some side effects, the main one for me was nausea when I went up to 2 & half tablets. I just reduced my dose back to 2 tablets & was fine.

Have you looked into IVF yet? My DH & I looked into it as we were told we wouldn't conceive naturally and we were very reassured by the lovely nurses at the clinic.

[nellym]

Thanks Ladies,

I have started breaking out, zits everywhere so hopefully that is a good sign. I still have my appointment with the FS on Monday so we are hoping he will do something to get the ball rolling.

Will not be booking in to IVF until they have done all their tests and unfortunately I need AF to arrive first.

Is the Lap surgery standard in these kinds of cases? I know it is different to the Die test. I don't think I have Endo, but my sister and cousin (who both have PCOS too) have it.

I am becoming obsessed with it all. I know I should just relax and take each day as it comes, but I am sick of waiting and I want answers.

Thanks again, all advice is welcomed.

[nellym]

Hi everyone,

Well just got back from the FS, DH's test results came back improved so that is a good sign. Not great, but definately improved.

I however am still a bit of a mistery, I have to go and have a BT tomorrow just to make sure I am not pregnant yet and to check my hormone levels. Then the day after I will start on a round of the pill, after a full cycle I will go and have the dye test.

THEN all going well, go on some ovulation drugs. We will try naturally for a few months then if no success on to IUI.

Thanks everyone for your support and advice.

Cheers

[Rowellen]

Just wanted to wish you luck with your tests.

That's great your DH has improved. I hope it continues for you.

[uneasy29]

hey,

ive read a post about pcos and periods. i was first diagnosed with pcos 5 yrs ago.
i have recently discovered that my periods have changed. they used to be regular come about same date each month but last only about 4-5 days but its been different this time, my periods have now become heavy one day then light next day also been on and off like it looks like periods stopped.
Im very confused with whats happening. i thought i was pregnant at first.
im going for an ultrasound next week and follow up gp appointment afterwards.. just was wondering if could try and get some answers from people in similar situation beforehand.

thanks anything would be appreciated.

[nellym]

Hi Uneasy,

As you will see from my posts above, my periods totally stopped after I was diagnosed with PCOS.

My GP referred me to have an Ultra Sound done, but nothing was detected in that. It wasn't until DH had a poor result in his SA that she referred us to a FS who did an internal US and diagnosed me with PCOS. He sent me away to have BTs and the Dye Test but unfortunately my AF never arrived to have the Dye Test done.

He could not explain why this happened but put me on a cycle of the pill to try to force AF so I could have the test done.

I remember loving the fact that AF didn't come for like 40 days, unlike my friends who suffered through them every 28 days. Now I just wish it would hurry up so we can get moving on TTC, although we are having fun practicing.

Hope you get some answers soon. The sooner you get answers, then you can get a solution.

Good luck