Post by gabride2010 on Jan 26, 2016 16:38:50 GMT -5
Does having several 60+ day cycles in a row warrant seeing an RE prior to 12 months/cycles? I don't want to see an RE unnecessarily, but I just want to know my options.
Saw RE 1/11/17 HSG x 2 - 2nd revealed both tubes open and arcuate uterus Cycle #1-2 Femara 5mg + TI = Cancelled - poor response Cycle #3 - Femara 7.5mg and Dex 0.5mg - another poor response - waiting to see when I O
Does having several 60+ day cycles in a row warrant seeing an RE prior to 12 months/cycles? I don't want to see an RE unnecessarily, but I just want to know my options.
I don't know what I'm supposed to say here, but if I were having 60+ day cycles I'd be seeing the RE and getting myself on some sort of trigger protocol. I think you're TTA, so this may not be an issue but with 60+ day cycles there are so few chances to conceive!
Post by legalbeagle on Jan 26, 2016 16:54:30 GMT -5
Talk to me about temping and traveling. In your experience, is it even worth it? Right now if I ovulate at CD24 it will be right before I leave for Disney. I am temp-ted (get it?!) to just skip temp taking altogether if it doesn't yield helpful results. Currently living in NYC so a big temp shift.
Also thanks to all who answered the test after three hrs of sleep vs. close to same time question, the answer for my body seems to be that same time results in more even temps rather than three hrs of sleep.
Talk to me about temping and traveling. In your experience, is it even worth it? Right now if I ovulate at CD24 it will be right before I leave for Disney. I am temp-ted (get it?!) to just skip temp taking altogether if it doesn't yield helpful results. Currently living in NYC so a big temp shift.
Also thanks to all who answered the test after three hrs of sleep vs. close to same time question, the answer for my body seems to be that same time results in more even temps rather than three hrs of sleep.
I've temped while traveling, and it's never been a problem. For me, there sometimes is a slight change from normal the first day in a new place, but then my body usually evens out and I'm able to get informative temps. It's worth it to me to have complete charts so I usually keep temping while out of town.
Talk to me about temping and traveling. In your experience, is it even worth it? Right now if I ovulate at CD24 it will be right before I leave for Disney. I am temp-ted (get it?!) to just skip temp taking altogether if it doesn't yield helpful results. Currently living in NYC so a big temp shift.
Also thanks to all who answered the test after three hrs of sleep vs. close to same time question, the answer for my body seems to be that same time results in more even temps rather than three hrs of sleep.
When I was temping, I would keep on temping while traveling. I recognized that things could be wonky while traveling, but I managed to identify ovulation every time. If it gets in the way, I'd just say to forget it and have fun and start back next cycle.
I had bloodwork done when I had an 80+ day cycle several months ago. At the time the doctor told me my numbers were within normal range and prescribed Provera and I didn't think much of it. They tested my LH and FSH and I'm finding a lot of info on what the levels mean when tested on CD3, that close to 1:1 ratio is good and that a high LH:FSH could be an indication of PCOS. My LH was 20.3 and my FSH was 5.5 but my BW was done close to CD80 and I can't find information on whether 1:1 ratio is maintained (more or less) throughout the cycle or not.
My cycles since then have been on the longer side and irregular but ovulatory. I don't know if getting a diagnosis is helpful in any way or if it's just something I should keep in mind to bring up later if it takes much longer to conceive, as long as I continue to ovulate on my own.
Does having several 60+ day cycles in a row warrant seeing an RE prior to 12 months/cycles? I don't want to see an RE unnecessarily, but I just want to know my options.
Are you charting?
Your PCOS diagnosis alone would trump the 12 month wait to see an RE. This is doubly true if you are having long and irregular cycles. If you are charting and have a lot of anovulatory cycles that is also a cause for concern.
Post by gabride2010 on Jan 26, 2016 18:12:47 GMT -5
Thanks requiressnacks. We actually switched to TTC this cycle!
aprilz81 I have been charting since I stopped BCP 7-2015. My first cycle was anovulatory. Last cycle (my 2nd off BCP) I ovulated on CD 53. I'm still waiting to see what this cycle will do.
Saw RE 1/11/17 HSG x 2 - 2nd revealed both tubes open and arcuate uterus Cycle #1-2 Femara 5mg + TI = Cancelled - poor response Cycle #3 - Femara 7.5mg and Dex 0.5mg - another poor response - waiting to see when I O
I had bloodwork done when I had an 80+ day cycle several months ago. At the time the doctor told me my numbers were within normal range and prescribed Provera and I didn't think much of it. They tested my LH and FSH and I'm finding a lot of info on what the levels mean when tested on CD3, that close to 1:1 ratio is good and that a high LH:FSH could be an indication of PCOS. My LH was 20.3 and my FSH was 5.5 but my BW was done close to CD80 and I can't find information on whether 1:1 ratio is maintained (more or less) throughout the cycle or not.
My cycles since then have been on the longer side and irregular but ovulatory. I don't know if getting a diagnosis is helpful in any way or if it's just something I should keep in mind to bring up later if it takes much longer to conceive, as long as I continue to ovulate on my own.
Thanks so much!
Diagnostic blood work for PCOS or other infertility related issues have little/no value outside of CD3 (give or take a 1-2 day window). If I'm not mixing up my hormones your FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) should be higher at the beginning of your cycle because that is what triggers your follicles to grow and mature an egg. As the follicle size reaches maturity your LH (luteinizing hormone) will surge and that will trigger the release of the egg.
Women with PCOS often (but not always) have an out of balance LH to FSH, more along the lines of 2:1 or 3:1.
Thanks requiressnacks . We actually switched to TTC this cycle!
aprilz81 I have been charting since I stopped BCP 7-2015. My first cycle was anovulatory. Last cycle (my 2nd off BCP) I ovulated on CD 53. I'm still waiting to see what this cycle will do.
Edited to fix a sentence
I would probably give it one or two more cycles to see if your body is just regulating itself or if this is normal for you. With your PCOS diagnosis though I wouldn't feel guilty if you decide to go to an RE.
Does having several 60+ day cycles in a row warrant seeing an RE prior to 12 months/cycles? I don't want to see an RE unnecessarily, but I just want to know my options.
I had long, anovulatory cycles and my ob was willing to send me to a RE based on that plus some inconclusive blood work trying to find a cause. I'd talk to your doctor. I'm mobile so can't see siggy but it seems you have PCOS? That definitely warrants an earlier visit.
I had bloodwork done when I had an 80+ day cycle several months ago. At the time the doctor told me my numbers were within normal range and prescribed Provera and I didn't think much of it. They tested my LH and FSH and I'm finding a lot of info on what the levels mean when tested on CD3, that close to 1:1 ratio is good and that a high LH:FSH could be an indication of PCOS. My LH was 20.3 and my FSH was 5.5 but my BW was done close to CD80 and I can't find information on whether 1:1 ratio is maintained (more or less) throughout the cycle or not.
My cycles since then have been on the longer side and irregular but ovulatory. I don't know if getting a diagnosis is helpful in any way or if it's just something I should keep in mind to bring up later if it takes much longer to conceive, as long as I continue to ovulate on my own.
I've learned so much from this thread. I wish I'd seen it sooner. (Crazy life.)
Anyway, my turn for newbie questions.
I have PCOS, am over 35, and we've been TFAS since June 2015 with no luck. I'm guessing when I talk to my Ob/gyn that trumps any 12 month wait, too?
Do I have to have a referral to go to RE, or can I just start looking or does it all rely on insurance (or a mix of some of those?)
I've been temping regularly, and the last couple of months FF has seen enough of a temp difference to tell me when I O'ed. I didn't temp before my first pregnancy, so I have no idea how my anovulatory cycles look vs my ovulatory cycles. Is there a temp difference in anovulatory vs ovulatory cycles?
Saw RE 1/11/17 HSG x 2 - 2nd revealed both tubes open and arcuate uterus Cycle #1-2 Femara 5mg + TI = Cancelled - poor response Cycle #3 - Femara 7.5mg and Dex 0.5mg - another poor response - waiting to see when I O
Post by teachermomtobe on Jan 26, 2016 19:04:29 GMT -5
dawnfire, I think the referral depends on insurance but it can't hurt to talk with your insurance company to check and your doctor to get recommendations. Anovulatory cycles have no clear temp shift although sometimes FF tries to find one anyway but usually FF is right on.
Post by gabride2010 on Jan 27, 2016 6:07:07 GMT -5
dawnfire If you look at my chart (link in sig) you can see my temps from my first cycle (anovulatory) and my second cycle (ovulatory).
The difference between the two is that with the anovulatory cycle, you don't see the sustained temp rise indicating ovulation. My temps fluctuate so much because I have PCOS.
The referral process depends on your insurance. Do you have to have a referral to see a specialist?
Saw RE 1/11/17 HSG x 2 - 2nd revealed both tubes open and arcuate uterus Cycle #1-2 Femara 5mg + TI = Cancelled - poor response Cycle #3 - Femara 7.5mg and Dex 0.5mg - another poor response - waiting to see when I O
I've learned so much from this thread. I wish I'd seen it sooner. (Crazy life.)
Anyway, my turn for newbie questions.
I have PCOS, am over 35, and we've been TFAS since June 2015 with no luck. I'm guessing when I talk to my Ob/gyn that trumps any 12 month wait, too?
Do I have to have a referral to go to RE, or can I just start looking or does it all rely on insurance (or a mix of some of those?)
I've been temping regularly, and the last couple of months FF has seen enough of a temp difference to tell me when I O'ed. I didn't temp before my first pregnancy, so I have no idea how my anovulatory cycles look vs my ovulatory cycles. Is there a temp difference in anovulatory vs ovulatory cycles?
Just the fact that you're over 35 means that they recommend seeking help after 6 months. I'm also over 35 and have been TFAS since June 2015 with no known health or cycle issues. I just started seeing the RE and while they will not call it IF before 12 months, he still said it's better to start treatment sooner rather than later when you're AMA. My insurance did not require a referral. I actually went to my ob first and did not like the answer he gave me so I made an appt with the RE on my own.
dawnfire If you look at my chart (link in sig) you can see my temps from my first cycle (anovulatory) and my second cycle (ovulatory).
The difference between the two is that with the anovulatory cycle, you don't see the sustained temp rise indicating ovulation. My temps fluctuate so much because I have PCOS.
The referral process depends on your insurance. Do you have to have a referral to see a specialist?
Thank you for that explanation! That's very helpful. I was trying to link my charts but FF on my PC kept not taking my password. (I usually do FF mobile, and PB on desktop.) That'll help when I look at my charts better later.
Yes, I do have to be referred to specialists with my insurance, so will definitely talk to my Ob about it. Had to change my appointment to next week, but I will be well-armed with information when I go see her now.
Saw RE 1/11/17 HSG x 2 - 2nd revealed both tubes open and arcuate uterus Cycle #1-2 Femara 5mg + TI = Cancelled - poor response Cycle #3 - Femara 7.5mg and Dex 0.5mg - another poor response - waiting to see when I O
I had bloodwork done when I had an 80+ day cycle several months ago. At the time the doctor told me my numbers were within normal range and prescribed Provera and I didn't think much of it. They tested my LH and FSH and I'm finding a lot of info on what the levels mean when tested on CD3, that close to 1:1 ratio is good and that a high LH:FSH could be an indication of PCOS. My LH was 20.3 and my FSH was 5.5 but my BW was done close to CD80 and I can't find information on whether 1:1 ratio is maintained (more or less) throughout the cycle or not.
My cycles since then have been on the longer side and irregular but ovulatory. I don't know if getting a diagnosis is helpful in any way or if it's just something I should keep in mind to bring up later if it takes much longer to conceive, as long as I continue to ovulate on my own.
Thanks so much!
I had my initial blood work done by my OB who suspected PCOS on CD 40 something (in the middle of a cycle that had to be ended with Provera). My LH to FSH was at a 4:1 ratio and everything else was off the charts. I figured my RE would retest my levels on CD 3, since that was the standard, and that my levels were so off because it was CD 40 something.
But when I went to my first RE for my appointment, she didn't recheck my levels. She explained that since I never ovulate on my own and always had to have Provera to end my cycles, my body was perpetually at CD 3. Meaning that my hormone levels were the same on CD3 as they were on CD 100. She did run more blood work on CD 3 (after a few failed cycles) and they were pretty similar to my OB's numbers.
Since your cycles are ovulatory, it wouldn't hurt to have them redone on CD 3. If you ever get three anovulatory cycles (doesn't have to be consecutive), then it would warrant an RE's visit.
ETA: My PSA that most blood work needs to be done on CD 3, yes. But women with PCOS are different. Since we don't ovulate, our levels aren't fluctuating throughout a cycle like normal.
I had bloodwork done when I had an 80+ day cycle several months ago. At the time the doctor told me my numbers were within normal range and prescribed Provera and I didn't think much of it. They tested my LH and FSH and I'm finding a lot of info on what the levels mean when tested on CD3, that close to 1:1 ratio is good and that a high LH:FSH could be an indication of PCOS. My LH was 20.3 and my FSH was 5.5 but my BW was done close to CD80 and I can't find information on whether 1:1 ratio is maintained (more or less) throughout the cycle or not.
My cycles since then have been on the longer side and irregular but ovulatory. I don't know if getting a diagnosis is helpful in any way or if it's just something I should keep in mind to bring up later if it takes much longer to conceive, as long as I continue to ovulate on my own.
Thanks so much!
I had my initial blood work done by my OB who suspected PCOS on CD 40 something (in the middle of a cycle that had to be ended with Provera). My LH to FSH was at a 4:1 ratio and everything else was off the charts. I figured my RE would retest my levels on CD 3, since that was the standard, and that my levels were so off because it was CD 40 something.
But when I went to my first RE for my appointment, she didn't recheck my levels. She explained that since I never ovulate on my own and always had to have Provera to end my cycles, my body was perpetually at CD 3. Meaning that my hormone levels were the same on CD3 as they were on CD 100. She did run more blood work on CD 3 (after a few failed cycles) and they were pretty similar to my OB's numbers.
Since your cycles are ovulatory, it wouldn't hurt to have them redone on CD 3. If you ever get three anovulatory cycles (doesn't have to be consecutive), then it would warrant an RE's visit.
ETA: My PSA that most blood work needs to be done on CD 3, yes. But women with PCOS are different. Since we don't ovulate, our levels aren't fluctuating throughout a cycle like normal.
wanderingheart , is right in IF you don't ovulate then it doesn't matter what cycle day the blood work is done because your (our) hormones are so out of whack that we don't get the normal ebbs, flows and surges of a "normal" cycle.
That being said, I think it is important to mention that some women with PCOS do ovulate on their own. If you or any lurkers have PCOS and do ovulate it would be important to get blood work done on CD3.
Post by sleepymonkey on Jan 28, 2016 9:22:58 GMT -5
I have a question about trigger shots. I'm going to ask my RE on Monday when I see him but I thought I would see if anyone here could give some insight. What is the benefit of giving a trigger shot to someone who ovulates on her own? I ovulate every month, usually between CD16-19. This is my first medicated cycle with letrozole and my RE is going to have me do a trigger shot. Isn't the trigger just to induce ovulation? Also, are the any side effects I should be aware of? Since it's hcg, can I look forward to the potential for nausea (I was incredibly sick during 1st tri with DD)?
And one other question about letrozole. Has anyone who has taken it noticed being incredibly tired while taking it? I took my first dose Monday and I have felt like I could just sleep all day every day since then.
I have a question about trigger shots. I'm going to ask my RE on Monday when I see him but I thought I would see if anyone here could give some insight. What is the benefit of giving a trigger shot to someone who ovulates on her own? I ovulate every month, usually between CD16-19. This is my first medicated cycle with letrozole and my RE is going to have me do a trigger shot. Isn't the trigger just to induce ovulation? Also, are the any side effects I should be aware of? Since it's hcg, can I look forward to the potential for nausea (I was incredibly sick during 1st tri with DD)?
And one other question about letrozole. Has anyone who has taken it noticed being incredibly tired while taking it? I took my first dose Monday and I have felt like I could just sleep all day every day since then.
Are you doing an IUI? Trigger shot is helpful to make sure the timing is right.
I had my initial blood work done by my OB who suspected PCOS on CD 40 something (in the middle of a cycle that had to be ended with Provera). My LH to FSH was at a 4:1 ratio and everything else was off the charts. I figured my RE would retest my levels on CD 3, since that was the standard, and that my levels were so off because it was CD 40 something.
But when I went to my first RE for my appointment, she didn't recheck my levels. She explained that since I never ovulate on my own and always had to have Provera to end my cycles, my body was perpetually at CD 3. Meaning that my hormone levels were the same on CD3 as they were on CD 100. She did run more blood work on CD 3 (after a few failed cycles) and they were pretty similar to my OB's numbers.
Since your cycles are ovulatory, it wouldn't hurt to have them redone on CD 3. If you ever get three anovulatory cycles (doesn't have to be consecutive), then it would warrant an RE's visit.
ETA: My PSA that most blood work needs to be done on CD 3, yes. But women with PCOS are different. Since we don't ovulate, our levels aren't fluctuating throughout a cycle like normal.
wanderingheart , is right in IF you don't ovulate then it doesn't matter what cycle day the blood work is done because your (our) hormones are so out of whack that we don't get the normal ebbs, flows and surges of a "normal" cycle.
That being said, I think it is important to mention that some women with PCOS do ovulate on their own. If you or any lurkers have PCOS and do ovulate it would be important to get blood work done on CD3.
Post by sleepymonkey on Jan 28, 2016 10:27:45 GMT -5
goldenlove3, no IUI this month but when RE prescribed the trigger, he was leaving me open to doing IUI. When i go in for my ultrasound on Monday, I will ask them if it is really necessary or if it is beneficial in any way. I have always been able to catch my surge using OPKs.
goldenlove3 , no IUI this month but when RE prescribed the trigger, he was leaving me open to doing IUI. When i go in for my ultrasound on Monday, I will ask them if it is really necessary or if it is beneficial in any way. I have always been able to catch my surge using OPKs.
My last trigger shot was probably close to a year ago, but I didn't remember any nausea, just soreness in my thigh at the injection site. I think it can help make your ovulation stronger, which may be the only benefit if you O on your own and aren't doing IUI.
July 2013 started TTC 7/20/2014=BFP; CP confirmed 8/1/2014 Dec 2014: Diagnosis = Unexplained IF 12/24/2014 Medicated TI (clomid)=BFN 1/22/2015: IUI #1 cancelled due to cyst 02/17/2015: IUI #2 cancelled due to another cyst 3/31/2015: IUI with Femera, 1 good follie, great sperm count = CP, my December Rainbow became an Angel
goldenlove3 , no IUI this month but when RE prescribed the trigger, he was leaving me open to doing IUI. When i go in for my ultrasound on Monday, I will ask them if it is really necessary or if it is beneficial in any way. I have always been able to catch my surge using OPKs.
:::lurking:::
I did a trigger shot with TI and IUI. It was basically to help us time things better.
TMI alert - Can anyone talk to me about clotting? My period is mostly clots every month. Dr Google tells me it's either nothing or horrible. Does anyone know if this can impact fertility? Any good research share? Should I raise it with my doc?
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