I went for my annual checkup in November 2011. The new doctor was great; she really listened to my concerns and agreed it was more than stress causing irregularities. She ran blood tests, thyroid tests, glucose tests, and I’m sure many more I can’t recall. The end result, I was diagnosed with PCOS. (Poly cystic ovary syndrome) PCOS is basically a hormone imbalance. Hormones usually help regulate egg development in the ovaries. Normally, eggs are released during menstrual cycles but with PCOS, eggs don’t release from the ovaries, they form small cysts on the ovaries. No eggs= no babies.
While it felt great to have an answer for my problems, it brought many emotions. The doctor gave me many options for treatment of PCOS. First, weight loss can be critical and I’m overweight so step one, diet and exercise. The doctor wanted to put me on birth control for a year to get my body regulated. Birth control? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of what we are trying to do? I objected to that. Clomid is a drug typically used to treat PCOS and can help with conceiving but the doctor wanted me to take time to talk to Scott, try to lose some weight and get my body regulated before we jump into fertility drugs.
She prescribed some Progesterone, basically a hormone pill to get my hormone levels increased. It also induces menstrual cycles. So I began the progesterone, let’s just say it works like it should. It induced a cycle and some severe irritability. My husband and sister said I turn into a witch for about a week while the medication is working. I do apologize, I know I got very cranky but it’s a side effect we are going to have to cope with.
I completed an ovulation test for 10 days in November after the progesterone worked but I never got a positive test. :(
We are now on month two of Progesterone and will be starting the ovulation tests again soon. I also have a follow up with the doctor in January. I’ve really been slacking on my diet and exercise, but the holidays brought so much food and stress it was hard! I’m trying to get back on track now.
Hey Chrystal, I took a moment to read your new blog and I wanted to let you know that you are not alone. My situation was much like yours. I never thought I wanted to get married or have children until I met my husband. I also was diagnosed with PCOS but I have known about it since high school. For about 5 years now I have been wanting to start a family. 3 years ago we tried, but I don't ovulate at all unless medicine is involved. We then discovered more agressive treatments would be necessary (these treatments are also very expensive and not covered by insurance). For now I have had to put my plans on hold. In the meantime, we have been researching adoption, fostering, and surrogacy. I don't want to make this comment too long, but want you to know you are not alone in this and if you ever want to talk I am here to listen and compare notes :) Best of Luck to you and Scott!
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