[pinknpeaceful]

Hi, Dh and I have been TTC for 2 1/2 years. I was Diagnosed Insulin resistant PCOS and Ammenorhea at age 17 and put on metformin for a short time but stopped taking it after a few months because of intestinal side effects. About a month before getting married I saw a family doctor and discussed our desire to have children and she put me on Avandaryl saying it shouldn't bother my stomach, she was right it didn't bother my stomach but I gained about 40 lbs in 5 months and was constantly on the verge of passing out due to low blood sugar, I told her several times of this problem and she insisted I stay on it. I quit the Avandaryl and did not return to the doctor for about a year and a half, hoping that we might conceive naturally. 5 months ago I decided to see a Gynecologist that a friend and fellow PCOSer went too and had luck concieving with. This doctor did further tests to confirm my PCOS diagnosis including blood work and an ultra sound. My estrogen,testosterone, androgens, progesterone, and prolactin were normal. My insulin was elevated and so was my LH. I also had cystic ovaries. She prescribed me 1500 mg of Metformin a day, and a round of provera to start immediately and then every 90 days to induce a period if I didn't have one. I have been very good and very rarely miss a dose of my metformin and have been excercising 3 times a week and have lost 27 lbs. The round of provera went as expected and I had a period a week later, then 2 weeks later I had a period all on my own. Then no period for 90 days so started provera again, this time went as expected and had a period a week later and now its a week after that period ended and I've started bleeding again. The doctor just told me to come back in a year if I wasn't pregnant? Shouldn't she be monitoring me to see if any progress is being made? I'm not really understanding why I am having a period after just having one and then not having one again for 90 days. This just isn't making any sense to me. If this isn't working a whole year has to be wasted before I can even see if progress is being made? I am thinking of seeing another doctor, but then again maybe this one is right and it just needs more time.. Any advice?

[Persephone1881]

Start seeing a reproductive endocrinologist! PCOS is an edocrine/metabolic disorder, not a reproductive one and most OBs are just not very effective in treating it. REs are fertility specialists. I'm really surprised she told you to wait a year before coming back, especially since you've already been trying 2 1/2 years. If there isn't an RE in your area or your insurance won't cover one, see if you can find an OB who specializes in fertility. Good luck!

[Tweet]

Pink, I agree with Persephone and think it's time for you to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist. Obgyn's are good at some things but not at others. I actually diagnosed myself with PCOS and then explained it to my Obgyn (go figure!)...Wherease Provera and Metformin have been helpful for some, they aren't the "end all to be all" and there are some other options. Good Luck!

[pinknpeaceful]

Thanks guys, I guess I will do that. I do have another friend who suggested a Reproductive Endo that she went too. I am a bit nervous about it though. I am kind of afraid that they will want to bring out the big guns and put me on Clomid or something like that and I'm really not sure I am ready for that. Not to mention that my insurance company will not pay for infertility treatments and also will not cover a pregnancy resulting from treatments, so I have to be careful that everything I do is strictly for the treatment of PCOS and Ammenorhea.

[Persephone1881]

If you explain your insurance situation to the RE, they might be able to work out some creative billing to help make sure all your treatments are covered.

[rebekkahlahey]

Sounds to me you need to work the system! If I were you, I would take the clomid. Its super cheap and you wouldnt have to put it through your insurance. You could get it super cheap (like 20 dollars) at an online pharmacy and what your insurance doesnt know wont hurt them. Im not saying commit insurance fraud, but clomid is a miracle drug for so many PCOSers. And the majority of women (90%) only end up with one baby out of it. You could also inquire with the RE you pick about getting donated drugs. Alot of women who do cycles with REs have left over drugs they donate to their dr to give to those with out insurance or bad insurance. Good luck with your search. And if you need to find a good Re I think resolve.com has a listing of recomended drs