IVE SUFFERED FOR SEVERAL YEARS W/THIS PCOD AND WEVE TRYED TO CONCEIVE SEVERAL TIMES BUT HAD NO LUCK. IF THERE IS ANYONE ELSE THATS BEEN THROUGH THIS BUT FINALLY SUCCEEDED PLEASE EMAIL AND LET ME KNOW WAT YOUR TREATMENT WAS. THANKS EMAI IS (BUTTER_FLY101@WEBTV.NET

Originally Posted By wendy

I tried for 5 yrs and finally had success after 2 miscarriages. My treatment was first provera to start a period, then clomid and then about 14 days of humagon injections. I had lots of blood work and ultrasounds.The last shot was a HCG injection to make my egg release. I was finally pregnant and now have a 3 yr old son.Good luck!

I have had PCOS for 16 yrs. I have done alot of reading up on this ..unfortunately there is NO cure. DH and I have tried all the fertility drugs in the past and nothing worked...BUT that doesnt mean it may not work for you..every woman is different..Good Luck and I hope this article helps you to understand what it is all about.


What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome, a.k.a. Polycystic Ovary Disease and Stein-Leventhal Syndrome (after the team that identified it). PCOS can be treated, BUT NOT CURED. Although this medical condition has been known by the medical field for many years, it hasn't received much exposure. Some medical experts believe as much as 10 percent of women are affected by PCOS. Women who think they may have PCOS are urged to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of PCOS?

Note: You may very well not have all of the symptoms below, and you may experience them mildly or severely. Ask your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:


Weight gain (particularly on the midriff) and/or inability to lose weight

Enlarged ovaries containing many small cysts

Pelvic Pain

Excess facial and body hair (Hirsutism)

Acne, particularly on the jawline

Oily Skin

Hair loss (alopecia, particularly male pattern baldness

Irregular menstrual cycles, such as very heavy or very light

Lack of menstrual cycles (amenorrhea)

Difficulty in becoming pregnant

Infertility

High or increasing blood pressure

Insulin Resistance or Diabetes

Hormonal Imbalance --- Increased Male Hormones

Brown pigmentation of the skin, particularly in the groin and armpit area (acanthosis nigricans )- with velvety or 'cat's tongue' feel to it.

Skin Tags

Decreased breast size

High Cholesterol

High Triglycerides

Mood swings

Tired, fatigued feeling

Decreased sex drive

Enlarged uterus

Situational depression and anxiety

Insulin Resistance

Not only is PCOS a leading cause of infertility, but this condition also increases women's chances of Heart Disease, Diabetes Type 2, hardening of the arteries, hypertension and Uterine Cancer. PCOS can be diagnosed with the help of a vaginal ultrasound and blood tests. In the past, women were commonly treated symptomatically, but fortunately a growing number of doctors are recognizing the above symptoms and are learning to treat the whole package. It is very important to receive treatment if you have PCOS

How is it treated?

Most women see an endocrinologist (gland specialist) or gynecologist for treatment. For now, the center points of this syndrome are the pancreas and the ovaries, as the body needs to regulate the production of insulin and other hormones.

One of the major ways to treat PCOS is to lose weight. Weight loss will
help lower insulin levels (as well as reduce risk of heart disease). Obese women will see an improvement of symptoms with weight loss, but unfortunately these women also have a very difficult time achieving that loss! Insulin resistance, a common symptom of PCOS, makes it difficult to lose weight since extra insulin in the system accumulates in the bloodstream and helps the body store, instead of burn, excess body fat. This insulin resistance causes hyperinsulinemia, which contribute to excess hormone production in the ovaries, which can cause symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth and balding.

Regular exercise is very effective at improving your body's resistance to insulin. Also, many women can take Metformin (Glucophage) as an aid until weight loss is achieved. The weight loss, a lower carbohydrate diet and exercise will all contribute to a better response to insulin. For many women, getting the insulin regulated will help control some of the other symptoms.



Informational and Educational Links

The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
This is the leading National Non-Profit Organization in the US, with chapters around the world. Look for a chapter in your area, or help start one if there isn't one nearby! This organization hosts one of the most helpful websites on the net today for PCOS patients, including special forums for teens. They also work hard to educate the public as well as the medical field. From this site, don't forget to check out the downloadable information booklets . This is a must to look at if you think you may have or just found out that you have PCOS. This link has PDF files that explain the syndrome, risks and side effects, as well as give you tips on everything from what to ask your doctor to where to look for help. Also from PCOSA, Take the Quiz and see how you score.


The PCOS Pavillion
In collaboration with PCOSupport, the PCOS Pavillion has a wealth of information on their site. PCOS Pavillion has an advisory board of medical experts to answer questions. The Fact Sheets located on this site are a 'must read'!

Do you have an Apple Figure ?
Read how this shape makes you a higher risk for diabetes and insulin
resistance!

What is Insulin Resistance?
Check here for symptoms, consequences and treatment.

The Center for Applied Reproductive Science
The center is led by Dr. Samuel Thatcher, author of the book PCOS: The Hidden Epidemic. This page contains a down to earth explanation of PCOS, it's symptoms and treatments, plus lots of info on PCOS and infertility.

PCOS Frequently Asked Questions
A complete set of FAQ's by The InterNational Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc. This site is moderated by leading PCOS doctors, so you can be assured that the information here will be accurate and up to date.

Mailing Lists

PCOList.org
Sponsored by the PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, this is a page offering more than 20 groups to choose from. Lists vary from PCOS'ers that are menopausal to dieters to teens.

PCOS_Low-Carb
This mailing list discusses low carb issues and dealing with PCOS symptoms.

PCOS-CANADA
A PCOS support list for ladies living in Canada.

Christians with PCOS
This list is for Christian women dealing with PCOS.

Just_Diagnosed_PCOS
A list for women recently diagnosed with PCOS.

PCOS Australia Support Group
This is for PCOS sufferers mainly in Australia.

UK PCOS list
For PCOS sufferers in the United Kingdom.

All info was supplied from... http://www.3fatchicks.com
what a name for a website I know but they are very informative..

wow! I have this really thick book on this disorder, and your post was the clearest info I've ever seen. Thanks

I also have PCOS and as far as I know, there is no cure. Although, it was highly recommended to keep my weight under control. People with PCOS have a harder time losing weight. I was able to get pregnant with the help of a fertility specialist, but I miscarried when I was in my second month. I was never able to conceive after that and we turned to adoption. We now have a beautiful 2 year old son. Good luck.

I just spoke with a DR who has studied PCOS for YEARS....He said that there is a surgery with lasers that has been VERY effective...The medical tean nicknamed it the Whiffle ball surgery....the laser burns dots all over the ovaries and that reduces the working mass of the ovaries which enables the body to correct it's hormonal recipe that is skewampus with PCOS...He also stated that he has seen big statistics that seem to indicate that if you are a HIGH risk for diabetes, that you are also a High Risk for PCOS....nearly everybody he has treated for PCOS was also HIGH risk for diabetes....

I had that surgery as well, it didn't do anything for me. They actually made a tape of the surgery and when I watched it, I was amazed at what they do. They burned about 60-80 holes in each ovary.

I guess I was not one of the lucky ones that it worked for. It is very true what you said about diabetes and PCOS. If you have PCOS you are at very high risk for diabetes. I know in my case, I'm almost guaranteed to have it as my father suffered with diabetes.

I have heard that Metformin is supposed to help PCOS. I was thinking about going to a Endocronologist and finding out more about it. Have you heard of anything regarding Metformin use for PCOS?

I have heard of Glucophage (not sure if its the same thing)
I was told that every body will react differently to different things...

With the diabetes thing what you said is true...however...I was meaning to say that if you know women who are at high risk for diabetes...then there is also a high risk of developing PCOS...

Unfortunately I developed it as soon as we were ready to try to concieve...and my dh has issues as well....I figured we adopt now rather than waste time trying for a biological child firstborn...and if we happen to ever get pg then thats ok too...

Yes, we decided on adoption as well and it has truly been a blessing. You always want to have a child of your own, but I look at his little face and I felt like I gave birth to him. I am amazed at the bond I have with my son. I'm grateful to his birthmom for choosing me and my husband. Again, I feel the same way as well, if I get pregnant, that's fine too.

I ALSO HAVE PCOS AND TAKE 1500 MG OF GLOCUGHAGE (SPELLED WRONG) A DAY. I'VE HAD 3 PREGNANCIES BUT ALL ENDED IN MISCARRIAGE. WITH THE 1ST I HAD NO PROBLEM GETTING PREGNANT. I THEN STARTED SEEING ALL THESE WEIRD THINGS HAPPENING TO MY BODY. I WENT TO A RE AND WAS TOLD I HAD PCOS. THE MEDICINE HELPED WITH THE HAIR GROWTH AND WITH THE HELP OF FERTILITY MEDICINE I WAS PREGNANT AGAIN. HOWEVER, THIS TIME THEY OVERSTIMULATED MY OVARIES AND I WAS VERY, VERY SICK AND LOST THAT BABY AT 8 WEEKS BUT WAS TOLD IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BECAUSE OF HOW SICK I WAS. WE THEN ADOPTED AND HAVE A BEAUTIFUL 23 MONTH OLD SON FROM KAZAKHSTAN. I WENT BACK TO DOCTOR IN SEPTEMBER AND WAS PREGNANT IN OCTOBER. I JUST DELIVERED OUR STILL SON AT 20 WEEKS ON FEB. 18. THIS WAS JUST FROM A CORD ACCIDENT AND HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE PCOS. I'M NOT GIVING UP HOPE AND AM GOING RIGHT BACK TO TREATMENT STARTING IN ABOUT 2 WEEKS. I'M NOT LETTING NOTHING KEEP ME FROM TRYING. IT WOULD BE TOO EASY TO GIVE UP BUT I CAN'T. I LONG TO CARRY A PREGNANCY AND I TRULY BELIEVE IT WILL HAPPEN.

I am so sorry for your losses. I too had a miscarriage (only 1) and have never been able to get pregnant again. I give you courage for wanting to try again for a child. I tried for so long without success. When I was seeing my fertility specialist, I was on injections and it hyper stimulated my ovaries and I got very sick as well. I filled up with fluids and they were watching my heart and lungs. I never went back for treatment. That is when we decided to adopt. We have a beautfiul 2-1/2 year old and I couldn't be happier. My theory is this....there are some people in this world that are able to become parents naturally and then there are some out there who may have made a "mistake" or can't take care of a child and they choose the parents to raise their child. It gives me great satisfaction knowing how many people choose to adopt a child and don't give up hope. About my PCOS, when we get back on our feet, I will be going to an endrocronologist to try to get this under contol. My husband is one of the many millions of Americans that is currently unemployed and we are doing the best we can for right now. Anyway, don't give up hope of having a child of your own and enjoy your adopted child. Children are such a gift.

SO MANY PEOPLE GAVE US ADVICE ON WHAT WE SHOULD DO AFTER WE LOST THIS LAST BABY. THE PROBLEM WAS NONE OF THESE PEOPLE WHERE EVER IN OUR POSITION. THEY ALL HAD THEIR BABIES WITH NO TROUBLE AT ALL AND IT'S EASY FOR THEM TO SAY NOW THAT MAYBE WE SHOULD STOP SINCE WE DO HAVE OUR ADOPTED SON. COMMENTS LIKE THESE MAKE ME FURIOUS. I'VE DREAMED ABOUT BECOMING A MOM A LONG, LONG TIME AGO AND I CAN'T GIVE UP HOPE. WHEN THEY OVERSTIMULATED MY OVARIES THE FIRST TIME I DID THINK ABOUT IT BECAUSE I WAS SO SICK. I GAINED 30 POUNDS OF WATER IN A WEEK AND WAS SO SWOLLEN. MY RE WAS A 2 HOUR DRIVE AND I WAS BEING SEEN EVERY OTHER DAY FOR THEM TO CHECK MY LUNGS BECAUSE I HAD SO MUCH FLUID. THEY FINALLY DRAINED THE WATER AFTER FINDING OUT I WAS PREGNANT AND ALTHOUGH I FELT MUCH BETTER AFTERWARDS THE PROCEDURE WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE AND I ENDED UP LOSING THE BABY THE NEXT WEEK. I NOW SEE A FEMALE DOCTOR IN OUR HOMETOWN AND SHE'S GREAT. WITH THE HELP OF REPRONEX I DEVELOP MANY FOLLICLES AND WE LOST CHRISTIAN DUE TO A HORRIBLE CORD ACCIDENT. IT'S VERY HARD TO BURY A CHILD AND I'LL NEVER FORGET OR REPLACE HIM BUT I THINK PART OF HEALING FOR ME WILL BE GETTING RIGHT BACK TO TRYING. I SPOKE TO THE DOCTOR JUST YESTERDAY WHEN SHE CALLED TO INFORM US OF THE AUTOPSY RESULTS AND THEY FOUND NOTHING AT ALL WRONG BESIDES THE CORD. IT WAS THINNER AND THINNER THE CLOSER IT GOT TO CONNECTING TO THE BABY. SHE CONTACTED ANOTHER SPECIALIST AND THEY BOTH BELIEVE THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD REPEAT ITSELF. GIVING UP HOPE WOULD BE SO EASY. I DON'T NECESSARY LIKE ALL THE EXAMS, NEEDLES, AND PERSONAL QUESTIONS. AT TIMES I EVEN FEEL INVADED. THEN THERE'S THE COST. AS YOU KNOW INFERTILITY TREATMENT IS VERY EXPENSIVE. EVEN KNOWING ALL THIS I STILL HAVE TO BE STRONG ENOUGH TO CONTINUE. OUR ADOPTED SON IS THE BEST THING THAT'S EVER HAPPENED TO US AND I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR HIM AND HIS BIRTHMOTHER BUT AT THE SAME TIME I'M RESENTFUL TOWARDS HER. SHE LEFT HIM AT THE HOSPITAL AND HE WENT STRAIGHT TO THE ORPHANAGE FOR HIS FIRST 16 MONTHS. WHY IS IT THAT THE ONES WHO DON'T NECESSARY WANT CHILDREN ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE THEM ALL TOO EASILY AND THEN THERE'S PEOPLE LIKE US?? I'M NOT LETTING PCOS OR INFERTILITY BEAT ME. I'LL KEEP YOU INFORMED ON OUR PROCESS AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

My husband and I tried for 2 years to get pregnant, I have PCOS. We then decided to adopt 3 boys. That was one of the best things we ever did. Then six months later I got pregnant. I lost 26 lbs in about 4 months. I think that hepled the most. I was high risk and on bed rest with high blood pressure and was induced 3 weeks early, but we now have an active baby boy who is almost 2 years old. We have not been able to concieve again, but for now I am ok with that.

HI PAM,

IT WAS SO GOOD TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO HAVE A BIOLOGICAL CHILD. MY HUSBAND AND I ALSO TRIED FOR 2 YEARS AND WE THEN ADOPTED A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE BOY FROM KAZAHSTAN AND BROUGHT HIM HOME LAST AUGUST. I HAVE PCOS ALSO BUT I'M VERY DETERMINED TO HAVE A BABY TO GIVE KEATON A BROTHER OR SISTER. I WAS ON REPRONEX AND GOT PREGNANT IN OCTOBER BUT HAD OUR SON IN FEBRUARY AT JUST 20 WEEKS SO HE DIDN'T SURVIVE. OBVIOUSLY IT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY HARD BUT I CAN'T AND WON'T GIVE UP. MAY I ASK IF YOU WERE ON MEDS TO HELP YOU CONCEIVE? WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON GLUCOPHAGE OR METFORMIN? MY DOCTOR THINKS IT'S IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TAKING EVEN AFTER A POSITIVE HPT BUT I'VE BEEN READING SO MANY HORROR STORIES ABOUT IT ON THESE FORUMS. I WAS GETTING SO DOWN ALL THE TIME AFTER READING WHERE THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ON THESE BOARDS WITH PCO GIVE UP AND NEVER HAVE CHILDREN AFTER GOING THUR ALL THE GREIF OF TREATMENT AND THEN ENDING UP LOSING THE PREGNANCIES. THEN I READ YOURS TODAY AND IT WAS JUST GO GOOD TO HEAR HOW IT TURNED OUT FOR YOU. I LOVE OUR ADOPTED SON WITH ALL MY HEART AND ALWAYS WILL BUT I STILL YEARN TO CARRY AND DELIVER A BABY. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP AND START TREATMENT AGAIN IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND IF WE'RE NOT SUCCESSFUL THIS TIME WE'LL TRY AGAIN.

Trying For a Baby,
Dh and I decided not to take any medication. Thankfully we found and excellent high risk, infertility speciallist. When we found out my tubes were open she gave us the option of meds or lose 10 to 15% of my body weight first. I lost the weight!! Went from166 to 140. But I am having a very hard time getting it off again. I am not to up on the med options becuase we did not take that route. I am 24 now, 22 then, thats one of the reasons we opted for no meds. My pg was very high risk. I did not realize how at risk I was until I saw my hospital pics afterwards. My bp was hitting 180/110. My OB has an ultrasound machine in office so that helped monitor the baby twice a week from about 7 months. A friend of mine went to the same ob easy pg easy delivery shortly after me. I was amazed at how on top of things she was for high risk pg's She did not let anything slide. I had to monitor my blood pressure several times a day and she wanted it reported to her at every visit. And believe me she checked.

The SAME day the my ob told us why we had not been able to concieve our 3 boys grandma called to tell us she had choosen us to take the boys. And at that time we were not even pushing adoption but it has been so awsome. April 8th will be three years that they have been in our home.

We would truly love to have another baby. But when I think about how tired and sick I was I'm not sure I can do it right now with all the other children at home. But we hold out hope that it will happen again. Some people joke that it took two years the first time so it should happen soon since our baby is almost 2.

One thing that always bothered me was that people would say just relax and it will happen. Thankfully my ob was against that myth. We had more stress with a 1,3, and 5 year old at home when I did concieve.

Don't give up it did happen for me and we believe someday it will happen again!