TTC & Taking Clomid &/0r Metformin ~ Nov/Dec 2007

**nicjay** · December 18th, 2007, 06:16 PM

Hi Kristen,

Yep, generally no temp rise means no ovulation. But keep in mind that there are other factors that can influence your temp such as disturbed sleep, breathing through your mouth, so you may still ovulate but your temps may just not be showing it. I just checked the Clomid leaflet out of the box and it says you can expect to ovulate 6 to 12 days after the last tablet, so maybe you are just one of those people that take a bit longer to O. I don't O until 9 days after my last tablet FYI. I'd be inclined to hang out for a few more days if I were you

The CD21 progesterone test is done on day 21 and basically if your levels are above about 20 it means you ovulated. But it is done on the assumption that you ovulate around about day 14, so if you O later you should have it done about 7 or 8 days after you detect O. That is when your progesterone levels are at their highest in your cycle. I'd contact your dr and ask for a request form to have it done - I'm surprised that they aren't already doing it to make sure the Clomid is doing its thing

My dr only does it for the first Clomid cycle, just to make sure the dose doesn't need to be increased - mine was 50 last cycle on 50 mg, so this cycle I am not having it done because 50mg made me O. Although I'm sure he would have let me have it done if I wanted to

As far as OPKs go, I use the "Confirm" brand. I have tried quite a few different ones with mixed results, they worked some months but not others

Heaps of ladies here swear by the Lullaby Conceptions OPKs - they are nice and cheap, but they don't work every month for me.

Good luck with it all and I HTH

**TaRhLi.** · December 18th, 2007, 06:21 AM

Hi everyone,

Well my scan yesterday was not so good for me, at day 10 have 5 leading follicles (between 18 - 22mm) each so this cycle has been cancelled due to too high risk for excessive multiples. Am also having to spend next few days at home resting as I am showing signs of Hyperstimulation.

So now have to wait for O to occur for the Hyperstimulation to subside and then next cycle reduce Clomid back down to 25mg as it appears the 50mg did too much. If the 25mg next cycle doesn't work then will probably have to start on injections so the dosage can be managed better.

Kristen160 - I was the same as you having to take Primulot for 5 days to start my period for the first clomid cycle (due to not having a regular cycle). I take Clomid day 2 - 6, and in my first cycle of 25mg had scan at day 10 to see if clomid worked (no leading follicles), as nothing promising had another scan at day 14 (still no leading follicle). So O did not occur in first cycle and no period at day 28, I rang my clinic who advised to wait till day 35. Still nothing at day 35. Was told to wait until day 42 and if nothing to start Primulot again. Period started at day 40, so started Clomid day 2 - 6 @ 50mg. This is the cycle I am now in with the 50mg being too much. I was advised that the probable reason for the delayed period from cycle 1 was due to the lack of O and as my body doesn't have a regular cycle it is still trying to figure everything out. Fingers crossed this cycle it starts between days 28 - 35, so I can start again on the lower dose. I also had the mild cramping in my first cycle, but this appears to be not because of a leading follicle but because in cycle 1 I had around 30 small follicles grow. So the cramping was from the growth of too many small follicles. I have also had cramping pain this cycle and that is because now I have 5 enlarged follicles. If in doubt call your clinic and ask all the questions. I am probably lucky as my FS clinic are really supportive and I can call them anytime with questions.

teresep - fingers crossed for you that your Christmas wish comes true.

**TaRhLi.** · December 19th, 2007, 12:35 PM

Hi Kristen,

During my first cycle I had body temperature increase only at the time of taking the Clomid (side effect) but once I finished the course, my temp returned to a normal level. I still had to do the ovulation tests on days 13 & 14 to see if anything was happening but both were negative. When my period did eventually start I had no normal indications (sore breasts, mild cramping ect), so my body didn't seem to recognise any changes.

I am waiting to see what will happen this cycle due to the clomid now having too strong an effect as to whether this will bring my cycle on earlier (or normal for most others) at day 28 or if it will be longer. I think I am one of those who has a longer cycle than normal and that will mean that when O does occur it will be around days 16-18. This might be you as well. The Ovulation kits I use are provided by my FS so can't really give you idea what might be the best choice.

Just remember that not everyone has a 28 day cycle and as such not everyone will O at day 14, if you have a longer cycle O might be around day 17 or if you have a shorter cycle (21 days) O might be around day 11.

If you are anything like me you want results straight up but I have now learnt that I just have to let the clomid and my body do it's thing and that once I establish a good O pattern then I will be able to read my body better.

**dcm** · December 20th, 2007, 08:25 PM

Hi there ladies
Just thought I'd pop in for a look. I have been a member of another thread but really didn't post too much. I thought after reading your entries that here is the best place for me to be now... DH & I have been TTC since July 2006. I had a lap in Aug 07 and found Endo. Had 4 cycles to TTC "naturally" and am now at the bend in the road, that is, taking 50mg Clomid. This is all very new for DH and I and I'm trying to learn as much as I can and all of you in here seem like you are onto it!! We went to our FS for CD11 scan and I only had 1 matured folly to 16mm. I then went in for my trigger injection the day after. We are now in the dreaded TWW! With AF due on New Years eve. Nice one hey!

I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with you all and being there for your journeys too!

Carley

**TwoMums** · December 23rd, 2007, 07:14 AM

Hey Carley, all the very best with this cycle, the one good follicle is what you need to aim for... so good job!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very merry christmas and a happy new year... February is getting closer and closer now... back to TTC after a 4 month break!!! Its been good not to worry about TWW and clomid and trigger injections and the like! Can highly recommend a break!

Anyway, talk to you all in the new year!!

**Kristen160** · January 2nd, 2008, 11:26 AM

Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New years and that all you wish for will come true this year.
Well just to update......i did end up O on day 17 so yay the clomid is doing its thing. I'm just a bit concerned that my doc didn't order any scans or CD21tests, anyone else in this boat. So clomid worked taking it days 5-9, what is the difference of taking it on different days.... say 2-6 etc ? Anyway period arrived (very heavy!!!) on day 30 (new years day) and I'm all keen for round two now.
Hope to hear from you all soon and good luck !!!

lits · January 2nd, 2008, 08:52 PM

Hi everyone

This is my 1st posting so I apologise if I'm not posting in the right place (and for long post!). I had a lap in March 07 (dx with moderate endo) and fell pregnant naturally on the 1st go in May 07 only to miscarry with a blighted ovum at 7 wks. Since then my DH and I have been trying to conceive with no success. My cycles are extremely regular at 28 days and my temps and body tell me I ovulate on day 14 of each month (I get EWCM each month, temps show I ovulate on day 14 and although not as accurate I get O pain most months). I went to my OB a couple of weeks ago because not yet preg and he's put me on 50mg of clomid from days 5-9. After reading this thread, I've realised that people are having scans to see if they've ovulated and bloods while on clomid. He has prescribed none of this. He gave me a prescription and told me to give it a go for 4 cycles and go see him if I'm not pregnant after that. This concerns me as I really think that I am ovulating but just haven't fallen preg. I'm afraid of hyperstimulation and of taking drugs 'unsupervised'. I'm really not sure what to do. Am I being over-cautious or should I go back and ask for scans/tests? I'd also like to know if anyone with endo is taking clomid? I thought that Clomid was for those who don't O but I'm pretty sure that I do. Could this be harmful? I should be starting clomid in 2 days and not sure if I should take it... Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks so much to all of you for making this such a great site.

Wishing you all a wonderful '08 with loads of BFP's!!!

Lits

**dcm** · January 3rd, 2008, 07:39 AM

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a great Xmas and enjoyed your New Years Eve!!

TwoMums: Thanks for your welcome. Not long now till Feb comes around and your back on the TTC journey. Enjoy January!!

Kristen160: Your cycle sounds v. similar to mine! I O around cd17 and was due for AF New years Eve but she reared her ugly head on New Years Day

I was on my first cycle of Clomid last cycle. I took it from day 2-6. Not sure of my FS reasoning on this?? I then had an int/us on day 11 to see what follicles had matured (which was only 1) and then had my trigger injection the following day to stimulate O. I then went back to him again on cd19 (as cd21 landed on Xmas time when they were to be closed) and had bloods done. He rang me the next day to let me know that bloods came back showing that I had O and my hormone levels were exc! It was all good news for us at this time. When AF arrived I was devastated and so was my FS when he rang me yesterday when I told him I had bad news for him. Oh well, we will just try again! This cycle I'm having the monitoring again from my FS on the days mentioned above

Good luck with everything from your end! I hope this info helps you

To everyone else, wishing us all lots of

for 2008
dcm x

**lynros** · January 4th, 2008, 05:38 PM

Hello ladies,

It has been sometime since I posted mainly due to Chrissy preparations. Hope you all had a fabulous festive season and New Year.

To update you, my last cycle (3rd) finished with AF arriving on New Years early morning .... blah. Very disappointed. Whilst on clomid for 3 months, my emotions were fairly stable, I think because I knew I was on something that was hopefully going to get me past the line. With my clomid cycle now completed and being no further advanced, my emotional state is starting to wane again.

We have FS appointment next week to discuss our next course of action, either IUI or IVF. DF and I have not come to an agreement as yet on which avenue we should pursue. I haven't read many success stories with IUI. Has anyone got or know of any success stories with this procedure or how many cycles are recommended?

Kristen160: When I was on my first cycle of clomid, my FS only performed a ultrasound to check follicle size etc. I was not asked to come in for US on my second and third cycles, only to have the bloods.

Wishing everybody the best and hope it's great in 2008 for all of us!

**Kristen160** · January 5th, 2008, 04:00 PM

Hi everyone -
Need some advise. I'm just starting round two 50mg clomid.....1st cycle my temp remained between 36.4 - 36.6 degrees until after ovulation then it increases to 36.7 - 37.1 degrees. I then got my period and it dropped that day to 36.7 then next day 36.6 then 36.4.......... Ok I'm getting to my point now. This cycle I'm up to day 5 and have started taking clomid and my temp from day 4 (before taking clomid) has been back up to 36.7 and 36.8 degrees.
Could anyone suggest why this could be or has anyone experienced this before?? Any suggestions may help. Thanks

Lits - I can sympathise with you as my doctor also gave me a prescription and thats it...no scans or teasts etc... and it wasn't until I joined this thread that I got concerned. I've just finished my first cycle of Clomid 50mg with no success (although according to my temp. I did ovulate which is a good thing) and am just starting round 2 now. I think everyone has different reasons why they are on Clomid and I'm just trusting my specialist on this one. But I do understand your worry and I would say if you are that worried just ring him up and ask why he hasn't ordered tests (then let me know too!!). I may be wrong but others are on other drugs and trigger injections and this may be reason for the other teats??? Not sure though. Hope it helped.

Kellyd - How is everything going for you. Fingers crossed

dcm - wow we do sound similar and I was disappointed as well new years day, but hey round two maybe better for us both. Ive started my clomid 50mg today for round two but my temp for some reasons has been higher for the last few days as compared to last cycle so I'm a bit concerned as to why this is and hope it goes back down before O so I can see it rise again and fingers crossed.

**TaRhLi.** · January 6th, 2008, 10:38 AM

Hi everyone

I am back after having a 2 week camping holiday, back to work tomorrow (bummer). Well I am now into 3rd Clomid cycle. Nothing worse than your period starting when you are on holidays, let alone camping but can only look forward I suppose.

Back onto taking 25mg to see if this will allow only 1 or 2 follicles this cycle. Will be calling my clinic tomorrow to book in for my day 10 scan but think it will be a day 12 as that will be the Monday, so fingers crossed for then to see if the Clomid is doing the right thing by me this cycle. If not, will probably be having to review the options and maybe having injections instead.

So fingers crossed for Monday 14th to see if anything promising.

Kelly

mjg326362 · January 7th, 2008, 12:08 AM

Hi ladies,

I haven't been around for a while but could use your advice/expertise right about now!

I was diagnosed with PCOS a few months ago and my gynie suggested Clomid. I'm sorry to say that I actually had to think it over for a while coz he went to great pains to point out that the chance of conceiving twins increases dramatically under Clomid and as I'm pushing 35, that's not something I think I can handle.

But I've decided to give it a go.....nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? So I'm looking for some info on what to expect from this, ie. side effects, etc. All he's done is given me a script for 2 months worth, told me to take it for five days from Day 1, have a hormone test on day 21, 22 or 23 and do a HPT if my period is late. Is this what it's like for others??

Help!!!

**lynros** · January 8th, 2008, 05:06 PM

Hi MJG, what you have described is pretty much the norm the only difference with me was, on my first cycle of clomid i had a hormone test on about day 11 and went in the following day for a scan to check how many follicles and the size - at that time i had 2 follicles. This procedure was only on my first cycle, the remaining 2 cycles were as you have described. Good luck!

Hi Theresep, i go to see FS tomorrow and it is likely that we will also opt for IUI - IVF seems so final for me, at least i know if IUI doesn't work i've got IVF to consider. I'm not sure if this is the right thing or not, my sister thinks i should go straight to IVF because my chances are higher. I know one thing, unless you are going through 'infertility', you can't appreciate the decisions that need to be made, and the heart ache endured month after month with each failed attempt. But amazingly, i'm looking forward to my FS appt and taking the next steps towards becoming pregnant. Good luck this round!

**theresep** · January 7th, 2008, 06:32 AM

Hello girls! This thread is starting to liven up again - hope all had a great new years!
lynros it sounds like i'm in a similar situation as yourself. I'm on my 3rd clomid cycle, and seeing as the first 2 have not shown any results, then i'm not too positive about this cycle either! Next FS appt is 14th Jan, so will also be discussing IUI v's IVF... i'm happy to try IUI before going to IVF, but choosing the least invasive approach has always been my mode of thinking throughout this ttc journey, just suits me better is all. Best of luck to you

kristen160 have you had an infection recently or cold ect? On my 1st clomid cycle, my temp also rose to 37 on day 5 or 6, but it turned out that i had an infection due to an injection i'd had a few days prior... i started freaking out at first, and even poas just to check i wasn't preg! Hope your temps stabilise in time for O

kellyD i sure know what it's like camping and then AF shows up! My DH and i camped around Oz for 6mths!! Best of luck for your scan next monday

mjg my FS pretty much told me the same as yourself... i'm on 50mg clomid on cd5 - 9, with a day 23 progesterone test, then poas if no AF! I havn't had any results however, so will be discussing IUI as our next step... i guess different FS have a few different procedures depending on the individual patient. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.... however if my FS offered a scan to see how many follies have developed, i would be interested in knowing, and now i know about the scan, i would have asked my FS about having it done from the beginning!! Hope that makes sense! I think i'm confusing myself!

Have a great day y'all

tp xx

**sryan** · January 7th, 2008, 12:57 PM

Hi Mel,

I also have PCOS and have been taking Metformin and Clomid (3rd round of clomid), but I have been taking it from days 5 to 9 and ovulated, 1st round - day 15, 2nd & 3rd rounds - day 11.

I already do ovulate, but they gave me clomid to help with the levels.

Good luck in your endeavours to conceive. I wish you all the best.....

xxx Sue xxx

mjg326362 · January 7th, 2008, 10:55 PM

Hi ladies,

Thanks for your info! The evil AF is on her way (I think) so I guess I'll just start on CD1 and see what happens from there. One of my friends (who has 4 ruggies) has lent me her microscope so I can keep an eye on the saliva so

I guess being the first round, I'll do what the :doctor: says (like a good girl) and wing it.

Cheers,

smiles4u · January 8th, 2008, 12:41 AM

Hi there LITS,

I had a lap at 38yrs and was told all my plumbing was great. And even though I ovulate my Gyno (also a IVF specialist) put me on Clomid for about 4 or 5mths. And I never fell pregnant but just had every single side effect whilst taking them.

I went on to have my 1st bub at 40 with the help of a herbal formula through the Ruth Sharkeys Healing Centre in QLD. Might sound like a plug for them but they put my cycle on track which it hadn't been for over a decade. After taking the formula for only 4mths I was having a 28 or 29 day cycle ... And PRESTO I was pregnant 4mths later !!!!

So, I truely don't think there was any signs in problems in taking the Clomid earlier on.

*** All the very best to you

**TaRhLi.** · January 8th, 2008, 12:44 PM

Hi mjg

Good luck with your first cycle. You have been advised correctly about the higher chance of multiples, but my philosophy is that if I am luck to have one or more then it will be worth it. I am the same as you (35 next month with PCOS) but without trying you will never know.

I am being moitored by a FS every clomid cycle I commence to make sure that there are not too many follicles growing. I have a scan generally between days 10 - 14 and then do home O tests.

First cycle of clomid (25mg) had lots of small follicles grow but nothing matured. Second cycle of clomid (50mg) had 5 follicles mature and had cycle cancelled due to high risk of excessive multiples. Due to the large number of follicles suffered from Hyperstimulation and was in a lot of pain and discomfort for about a week (severe bloating, lower abdo pain).

Am now on 3rd clomid cycle back at 25mg to see if this lets only 1 or 2 follicles mature. As for the side effects I generally get a higher body temp when taking the clomid (not fun at the moment seeing Melb has been suffering a heatwave), some mild abdo bloating and a slight headache.

You might be lucky a breeze through your cycle with no side effects or you might get some. Fingers crossed for you that everything goes well.