What Deb has said is correct. The insulin resistance that causes PCOS mucks up all hormones which mucks up all processes that rely on hormones. Having PCOS also leaves you at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes later in life... sounds wonderful, doesn't it! But that's all part of the reason that PCOS needs to be seen as a condition to be managed through your whole life, not just when TTC. Using clomid doesn't increase the risk of miscarriage, that comes about with the underlying problems that result in clomid usage. Clomid also doesn't increase the risk of birth defects or other problems.

Deb, the one thing I'm having trouble with at the moment is knowing where to start looking for answers. I don't have enough of a medical background to understand all the research papers - my degree is in chemistry, not biology! If there's anything you can direct me to that is in plain, simple everyday language that would be greatly appreciated. Alternatively, something that I can give to my doctors to show that my concerns aren't completely unfounded, or that I can get my friend to translate for me would also be quite useful.

I'm in a really strange mood... grumpy, and with that awful feeling of dread that I'm about to get into trouble for something or other... I hope it passes soon... not happy!

BW