I took it too as it was prescribed by a naturopath. It totally stuffed me up! I know some naturopaths say it is an adaptogen and will work with your body to regulate your hormones but it totally did not work for me. I later read that in women with PCOS it should be used with caution.
If you would like me to refer you to the source and the reasons - just let me know.
As you no doubt know, one of the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS is an increased level of luteinising hormone (LH). This is the hormone that triggers ovulation. When it is out of whack with FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) it can stuff ovulation up which can be what happens with PCOS.
Vitex stimulates ovulation but it can increase luteinising hormone and when you already have too much of it by having PCOS it is the last thing you need more of (reference: Women's Trouble - Natural & Medical Solutions by Ruth Trickey and Kaz Cooke. Ruth Trickey is a respected naturopath here in Melbourne and was doing some research work with a Melbourne IVF specialist).
The women with PCOS who are most at risk of early miscarriage are those that have high follicular levels of LH. It is unclear whether this is the single most important factor but Prof Kovacs suggests that raised LH levels, PCOS itself, obesity, insulin resistance and increased male hormone levels may singly or in combination be associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. (Refer to A patient's guide to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Professor Gabor Kovacs & Jane Smith).
Therefore, the last thing you want to do is increase your LH levels and hence, miscarriage risk.
Shannan, I have to say that I am shocked and downright disguste at the way your doctors have treated you!
I also have PCOS, and went through 18 months of difficult IVF (you name a reaction and I got it!) and three miscarriages before eventually having my son.
It turns out that my PCOS was not my only problem. I have a mysterious rheumatoid arthritis condition and it appears that as part of that my bodt produces too many natural killer cells ans attacks my babies... we treat that with prednisone, but have to be cautious - too much prednisone and the PCOS gets out of control, too little and my babies die.
Sadly, it doesn't end there. We haven't been able to confirm this one for sure, but it appears that I also have a very mild form of a clotting disorder. For most people this likely wouldn't be a problem, but with so much other stuff happening in this body of mine, it is a problem for me.
In the end we used metformin, prednisone and aspirin to be able to carry my son to (almost) term.
Is it possible that you could travel to Sydney to consult with an amazing specialist over here? I can guarantee you 100% that Dr Gavin Sacks will not simply tell you to lose weight. If there's anything else hiding behind your PCOS to cause your miscarriages, he will find it. At the very least, it would be worth contacting him by email to see what he can suggest. I'm afraid I don't know of anyone similar in Perth, Dr S appears to be absolutely unique.
I'm so very sorry that you've been at this such a long time and have endured so many losses, I wish you every success in finally finding an answer to the problem.
Well ladies, thank you all for you comforting words and support
I have some good news, somewhat
I have found my old doctor! I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2002 (8 years after symptoms began and 3 years after they began to get bad). The doctor that finally diagnosed me was brilliant. After so many years of pain I walked into her office and told her my symptoms and straight away she said you have PCOS... sent me for tests to confirm and referred me to a specialist. I went back to her for a follow up appointment after the specialist appointment and unfortunately that was the last time i saw her. Her husband and her seperated (both doctors at the same practise that they owned together) and her mother became very ill back in China so she flew home to be with her. I have just found out that she is now back in Perth So I have found my "new"/old doctor and am going to see her for more testing etc after everything settles down from this M/C. I am going to ask her to investigate everything which I know she will do. I have an appointment with Cohen's next Wednesday and I have managed to convince to give me this year to sort out my health and run all tests... And then we are giving it until the end of 2010
Thank you for that info Ticklish I will print out a copy for my doc.
Butterfly Warrior - We were actually planning to travel to Sydney in May this year but then I found out I was pregnant and now everything is just in limbo after the M/C. I've seen a few ladies mention asprin as something they were taking to help carry to term, unfortunately im allergic to asprin and disprin.
Shannan, I have been reading this thread but not posting b/c I don't know much about it. Just wanted to say I'm so happy for you that you've found your old Dr and things are on track. Sounds like you're heading in the right direction and I that a baby is just around the corner for you.
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So I have found my "new"/old doctor and am going to see her for more testing etc after everything settles down from this M/C. I am going to ask her to investigate everything which I know she will do. I have an appointment with Cohen's next Wednesday and I have managed to convince
to give me this year to sort out my health and run all tests... And then we are giving it until the end of 2010
that a baby is just around the corner for you.
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