[dh31]

I am the DH of a 35 yo woman. My wife's only signs of PCOS are (1) polycystic ovaries, (2) longer periods (maybe 32 days/avg), (3) infrequent ovulation, and (4) mild acne. (Androgen levels normal, no problems with insulin resistance, extremely athletic, not overweight, etc.)

She ovulates very easily in response to clomid and FSH (so stimulation protocols have been "low").

We got pregnant on our first clomid trial (not monitored), but unfortunately there was no embryo.

After that we tried a couple more unmonitored clomid trials, then a couple monitored ones, and now are on our third FSH protocol. The last clomid trial was an IUI, as was a mixed clomid/FSH trial and the three FSH-only trials. We haven't had any luck getting pregnant again (always negative beta; right now in 2-week wait on third FSH trial). The clomid trials seemed to lead to a thin lining.

No evidence of endometriosis, though we haven't done laproscopy. While it looks like stimulation is needed for her to consistently ovulate, she doesn't have any problems that I've read about like too high LH, too high FSH, etc.

An RE we consulted for a second opinion suggested that there's a chance that the problem is a lack of "synchronization" between ovulation and the growth of the uterine lining, and that adding metformin and/or a steroid _might_ (no promises) lead to success in contrast to these continuing failures.

Anyone have any insight on that?

I might naively think "she doesn't have the symptoms of 'classical PCOS', e.g. she has normal androgen levels (so she only fits into the broader Rotterdam def'n), so why would metformin help?," but I understand that the causes and mechanisms of PCOS are extremely complicated, so this naive intuition isn't necessary valid.

So...from a purely medical and cost/benefit point of view, my wife and I might want to try this. (He suggested CC, plus metform or steroid.) Problem is that this voyage has been extremely hard on us (individually, and as a couple), and it's not clear to us that as a gamble it's worth another possible 3 mo of failure.

Thanks in advance.

[ktot82]

hi-
im interested in your post as i also have non-insulin resistant pcos-similar to you wife's symptoms. my doctor says that metformin would not help me but i've read some studies that say it does help.
does your doc say that it will help build the uterine lining? ive heard it decreases the androgen levels...and therefore decreases the symptoms.
let me know please.

i know clomid thins it and ive taken progesterone supplements the last 2 iui's as it will help build and sustain the lining. maybe this is an option for your wife- i know it works! ask your doctor about that option.
good luck!