https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 30 Jun 2026 03:32:03 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2591010 Sat, 23 Jul 2016 08:07:07 +0000 Bernieboo 2591010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have PCOS, but it took me about 6 years to get diagnosed with endometriosis. I basically went to a new obgyn every six months during that time and it took all those years to find someone who would take my pain seriously. My advice is to be ruthless with picking a doctor, especially if you live in a big city. If they don't give you good treatment options, or options that you think will fit your life, then eliminate them and move on. I've had a couple of doctors since the diagnosis (i've moved a couple of times and had to switch) suggest medical menopause to me and it was never something I was willing to try until I found a doctor who was willing to discuss the side effects and a plan for how we would manage them. If there's anything about a doctor you don't like, find another. You'll eventually find one that will really help you deal with this.</p> <p>ETA: I think there's a tendency to trust that doctors what they're talking about and know how to help. But the fact is that some are better than others about keeping up on current research and new treatments. And they're human too and can make mistakes. If the diagnosis doesn't sound right to you, get a second opinion or discuss those concerns with your doctor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2590625 Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:17:51 +0000 homeisthecalm 2590625@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Previous posters are correct in saying it isn't a one size fits all diagnosis. Unfortunately, I have both PCOS and Endometriosis, and I'm just 18. I don't have any symptoms other than a confirmation via ultrasound and long cycles. That's it. </p> <p>It can be really tough emotionally but it's a positive that you're fit and healthy. That is great for TTC when the time comes :grin: </p> <p>I hope things work out the way you'd like.</p> <p>Best of luck to you :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247819 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:09:52 +0000 Miss Sarah 2247819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was diagnosed with PCOS and only have polycystic ovaries and amenorrhea. I am overweight, but never as a result of hormones. I never had any of the hormonal characteristics of the condition. Like others have said, it's definitely not a "one size fits all" diagnosis. And even without the hormonal complications, my OB still put me on Metformin and what do you know, it DID start to regulate my period. WEIRD! Eventually though, I still didn't get pregnant, even after IUIs, so we were referred to an RE and went the IVF route. It worked for us and we are expecting our first in November. Good luck to you!! :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247778 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 09:38:36 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 2247778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jh524: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247776 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 09:37:16 +0000 jh524 2247776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What is PCOS </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247767 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 09:30:30 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 2247767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>PCOS is so different from person to person! When I was diagnosed, my ovaries weren't cystic at all, but I had acne and was overweight, with really irregular cycles. I've heard of 'thin PCOS', which presents totally different than normal- that might be it!</p> <p>I saw a naturopath for treatment because my doctor didn't know anything about metformin/treatment for PCOS and we couldn't afford RE treatments at the time. Worked really well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247765 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 09:30:16 +0000 BSB 2247765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am/was fairly healthy. Regular periods though my cycles were more 33-34 days long but no other issues. My BMI was always underweight or close to normal. I was always trying to gain weight for a while. No other medical issues. About 6-8 months after TTC, we saw an RE because DH has some medical issues and my OB suggested to get a SA (sperm analysis) done. We saw an RE and numbers were not optimum but not great for him (4% morphology) and my tests came back normal. We started on IUIs with me being on fermera. Oh, did try going through the process of egg donation about 1 year before TTC and my numbers were good but my AMH was a bit on the low side. I think it was 1.21. I think I was 28 at the time. The clinic told me my AMH shouldn't affect my ability to get pregnant so I didn't worry.</p> <p>Well, after 3 failed IUIs (all on Femera), I decided to switch clinic (staff and I didn't think they monitored my cycles as well as other clinics). I switched to a clinic that was known to have better success rate after failing at other clinics. They looked at my records and ran some additional checks. They checked my insulin levels and they diagnosed me with insulin-resistant PCOS and DOR (diminished ovarian reserve). The longer(ish) cycles, my insulin levels and history of acne made them diagnose me PCOS and I would be placed on metformin. As for the DOR, the AMH levels were what they looked at (though, over the years they fluxuate )and I would start taking dexamethasone to help that. I was on those meds last April and they thought I could be successful at IUIs if I wanted to try that. Unfortunately, they resulted in 3 more failed IUIs. It was time for us to move to IVF and I was fortunate enough to have success in my first IVF cycle through a frozen transfer (skipped the fresh transfer per protocol) of two embryos and I'm currently 28w pregnant with b/g twins. </p> <p>Long story and long journey (though I know others who have been trying for more than 4 years... Always thinking of them. :heart: ). I saw an RE at 6-8 months, IUIs started around 12 months of TTC. Took a break from TTC, continued with IUIs at first clinic and by 24 months of TTC switched to new clinic was diagnosed. Got pregnant for the first time through IF about 3 years and 2 months after started TTC.</p> <p>ETA: I agree with others that seeing an Fertilty clinic (aka RE) could give you more detailed treatment but be aware some clinics do have general protocols but I needed to switch to another clinic that had more personalized protocols. My first clinic was picked due to convenience to work. It was in the same city I worked in and was across the street from one oft offices (free parking for me.) My new clinic was in a different city but was half way between my work and home commute so it was good for both me and my DH when I had to come in.</p> <p>Oh, Both clinics used Femera and I had no side effects. My new clinic ran a diagnostic test called a clomid challenge and I was on it for one day and had dizzy spells. I did not like it. I'm glad my clinics were okay with using Femera instead of Clomid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247729 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 09:00:18 +0000 MOMTOLITTLEB 2247729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247722 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:51:04 +0000 ladybee 2247722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In general, trying to get pregnant or not, I find an endocrinologist way more helpful then my OB who I adore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247719 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:49:51 +0000 ladybee 2247719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was the same. It took a little over a year. I'm a healthy weight and was not insulin resistant but I had the acne, cysts, and hair growth. My cycles were irregular and I was t always ovulating. I did two months of clomid and one month of femera and got pregnant with my son. After having him I started putting in weight and my symptoms were worse. I had my bloodwork redone and I was insulin resistant. Started metformin and got pregnant asap. I found an RE more helpful then my OB in getting me pregnant. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247688 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:23:25 +0000 kiddosc 2247688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in a similar situation, where I was diagnosed with PCOS after a year of trying, but didn't really fit the classic model. I was still cycling, though my cycles were 35 days long. My blood levels were off, which is how I was diagnosed. I went on a low-glycemic, insulin resistance diet and charted my cycles and we were able to conceive naturally within 3 months. I think there are varying levels of PCOS and not everyone will need aggressive treatment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247677 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:19:15 +0000 kjpugs 2247677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>PCOS is an incredibly frustrating diagnosis because there are certain "check boxes" and you only have to have like 2 out of 3 of them to have PCOS. I have PCOS, but to my knowledge have never had cysts- but I have all the hormonal symptoms, and weigh a lot more than you at the same height :) I have a friend who is very slender, a runner, etc, but who also had PCOS. Every PCOS case is different. Which to me means the most important thing is a doctor who is not just saying a generic "you have PCOS so we do XYZ treatment." I didn't have success managing it and getting pregnant until I found a really proactive doctor who was willing to look at ME and not just a generic diagnosis. I hope your new doctor is that person for you!!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247668 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:12:52 +0000 Happygal 2247668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not in the same situation, but I'm sorry it took so long for the diagnosis. I'm glad you have some answers though and think it sounds like a very good outlook for you. I have heard of "thin PCOS" and know nothing about it past it seeming like applying to people like you.</p> <p>Good luck! I hope you can move forward quickly and get a BFP right away. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pcos-diagnosis-after-18-months-ttc#post-2247654 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 07:53:54 +0000 mrsjd 2247654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have posted in the past. </p> <p>I just found out that after 18 months of TTC and irregular periods and no ovulation I have PCOS. I just moved to a new city and a new Obgyn (3rd in 18 months) and she took a transvaginal ultrasound and immediately was like, yep, you have classic cystic ovaries. </p> <p>My bloodwork last July and August was normal, except for low/normal AMH for my age (28) - 0.99. I'd previously had a transvaginal ultrasound but the doctor didn't note any abnormalities. What. the. heck. How did it taken 18 months of irregular periods for this to get diagnosed?</p> <p>My last bloodwork (which we're redoing):</p> <p>FSH-10.0<br /> LH-7.1<br /> Prolactin-13.10<br /> Testosterone Total-&lt;10<br /> Free Testosterone0.12<br /> SHBG-50<br /> Estradiol-&lt;20<br /> Antimullerian Hormone 0.99</p> <p>However, this diagnosis does raise other questions for me, I am 5'7'' and weight 140 with a BMI of 22. I work out 3-4x per week and eat healthy. I don't have acne, thin hair, or painful periods. I don't miss cycles although they do fluctuate between 29-35 days. I don't fit the standard "profile." I don't have really elevated FSH and my AMH is low, which I hear is actually the opposite of most PCOS.</p> <p>It's great to know what's going on, and the doctor was NOT worried about the AMH given my age and good health, but I'm just confused. She also seemed to think I'll respond well to Clomid/Metformin when the time is right. </p> <p>Anyone else in a similar situation? </p>