Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

infertility & m/c (m/c mentioned)

Question:

<<there ARE things that can be done about egg quality…. To clarify, I believe that to a large extent, egg quality is inherent, and cannot be improved upon (like w/regard to POF, etc).  However, I DO feel that things can be done to affect egg maturity (which is a part of "quality"). -K

Response:

Again, perhaps dump the Clomid and try FSH.  Also, get your TSH tested. Hypothyroidism can contribute to miscarriage, and hypo is very common with PCOS.

It’s funny you mention thyroid problems.  I went to an endo this morning to get a second opinin about my PCO and related m/c problems and his opinion about the use of Metformin and it’s proper dosage for PCO. Well, he agreed with me to up my Metformin dosage to 2500mg, but when I started telling him how I ovulated late on Clomid/Met combo he said that could be thyroid related.  Sure enough, he examined my thyroid and found it enlarged.  He drew blood to check my TSH level and I will know what it is at end of week. Now my question, how does hypothyroidism contribute to m/c?   Nicole

Response:

<<Now my question, how does hypothyroidism contribute to m/c?   Good question!!  One that I have yet to get a straight and complete answer on. However, it IS listed as a potential problem re: hypo, at many thyroid websites.

Response:

mind, you have PCO and have been using Clomid…Clomid could be causing the problem….causing premature egg degeneration.   I think injectables (FSH-only) might be  well worth a try.

Kim, Kay has a good point.  I keep stumbling across info suggesting that Clomid may contribute to egg degeneration, though what I’ve seen hypothesized is that Clomid may contribute to chromosomal faults.  Only 40% of women who ovulate on Clomid go on to deliver from it, which is worse than you’d expect, assuming that other factors are okay, so maybe there is something to that.  I can’t remember the source for that, but I do remember the number. Question: Are there any hard data that correlate egg quality with days to ovulation, or is this just a sort of "feeling’ that some REs have?  (I O anywhere from day 17 to 21 and my last m/c was from a 21-day egg.  :/) Kim, I have been wondering how you’ve been doing on your new regimen and would have been purely thrilled for you, had you been able to make your pg announcement.  I’m so sorry.  I also have PCO, am 34 and have never gotten beyond early pregnancy and I know the panicky, star-crossed feeling.  On the other hand, I can’t quit believing that someday I could be a mom.  Both of us, I hope, with good care and effort.  There are SO many things–high and low tech–that we can do to overcome the bad effects of PCO.  The longer you stick with a "cyster-friendly" diet and exercise regimen–and metformin–the more hospitable your body will become and the more likely it will be that a pregnancy will stick, somewhere down the road.  So I am told and so I want to believe. Again, I’m sorry, and I will be thinking of you and your time of sorrow.  Hugs to you. And way to go, Kay.  12 weeks!  You’re my PCO success story poster girl Beth — http://www.win.bright.net/~mickbeth/pco.htm

Response:

I feel very sad for you and your DH.  To be so ready to share good news only to have it turn bad.  I’m sorry. Tricia

Response:

Hi Kim I can’t give you much advice either — maybe progesterone supplements (I know that you said your levels were fine, but it might help support the pg anyway) maybe baby aspirin. I did want to write to tell you how truly sorry I am for your loss.  I join with Cyndie in wishing you lots of hope and better luck. Meredyth ttc 18 months 3 cycles of Clomid CYCLE DAY 1

Response:

Hello, I, too, am sorry for your loss, and what will follow with it… Ive been there myself a few too many times…. I just started baby aspririn today, and when I do my first donor insem cycle in July, I will also be doing progesterone suppositories. I wish you happy thoughts,                                 ~^~ Debbie ~^~                         Male Factor…..Moving Onto DI               Isn’t Life Wonderful?  I Tend To Think So!                      

Response:

I am so sorry.  I would have him put you on progesterone supp and maybe a baby aspirin.  How are you doing?  Feel free to post and vent to us anytime. You have a right to be angry and cry.  Thats is what we are hear for the help and support each other through giood and bad times.  Sharon

Response:

I’m very sorry.  If they haven’t tested for immune problems maybe that would be the way to go. Liz

Response:

Kim, I’m very sorry for your loss, and that you are going thru such a difficult and painful time.  It seems so unfair.  Please be kind to yourself. << I’m just looking for some shared experiences/success stories. Ok, here it comes!!  I have PCOS, and also had 2 miscarriages and an ectopic… I truly understand  about being terrified about never having a baby.  Keep in mind, you have PCO and have been using Clomid…Clomid could be causing the problem….causing premature egg degeneration.   I think injectables (FSH-only) might be  well worth a try. << I lead an incredibly healthy lifestyle and was shocked at the PCO diagnosis. Wait a minute…..PCOS has nothing to do with lifestyle!!  It’s a curse and the Disease From Hell (my opinion….I hate it), but you did NOTHING to cause it. <<What do you ladies suggest?   First of all, I disagree with the others who suggest progesterone supplementation as "the answer"…..altho it can’t hurt.  Clearly, your progesterone is more than adequate  ……*that’s* not the problem. I suppose you could try baby aspirin or check out your immune status……there could be problems there…..you never know. BUT, since you have PCOS, I really think you should dump the Clomid and  try the FSH-only injectables or see if Metformin alone does the trick.  (I really think the Clomid is causing the problem…..especially since you claim late ovulation.) <<What can be done to enhance egg quality. Again, perhaps dump the Clomid and try FSH.  Also, get your TSH tested. Hypothyroidism can contribute to miscarriage, and hypo is very common with PCOS. Ok, you requested a success story.  I have horrific PCOS.  I didn’t menstruate at all (not once!!) from age 16 to 32.  I got pg with my 2nd clomid cycle, but miscarried very early, at about 5.5 weeks.  Later, I failed to ovulate with Clomid…didn’t ovulate 5 of 8 cycles.  Did IUI and IVF with FSH-only meds….numerous times.  Got pg with my first fresh IVF……but was ectopic (of all things) and had to terminate.   Got pg with my 2nd fresh IVF, but miscarried early…..beta’s started low and didn’t double. After 4 FET’s (no pg), I went on thyroid meds…..discovered I was hypo.  Fixed *that*. Discovered a "hidden" egg/embryo quality problem with fresh IVF #3 (blastocyst attempt)…. Adjusted and changed meds accordingly, to reduce egg number and to promote maturation (used hmg!)…. with IVF #4, I got fewer embryos overall,  but more blastocysts in the end.  Anyway, am presently in my 12th week of pregnancy from that one.  Seriously, I was very depressed and was about to give up……and my DH and friends were upset that I went ahead with that last (4th) fresh IVF, cuz I was getting burnt. Many people who know my story get depressed (or scared) when they hear it……cuz it took soooo long and sooo much time and effort  to do it.  I thought for sure I would never, ever get pg, as I had tried *everything* at least a few times.  (please know I am not saying "don’t give up, it WILL happen"……I know better than to think that.)   My point here is that you really *are* at the beginning, and it seems like you are getting good treatment.  Everyone starts with Clomid…..makes sense to give it a try…..but just because it didn’t work (or seems to cause problems) doesn’t mean "it’s over".  I think you have a lot more you can try.  And, there ARE things that can be done about egg quality, or immune issues.  A lot of it is trial and error……and luck. I don’t know if this makes you feel better or not.  I hope in some way it can help.  Please know you still have options and lots more to try.  I hope you’ll find luck very soon. -Kay

Response:

I dont have much advice to offer but I have been in your shoes a few times. I know how difficult this entire ordeal can be. I am sending u lot’s of hope and ++++++ wishes to help u through everything. ~~Best wishes that all of your hopes and dreams come true~~ Cyndie TTCx5yrs DES exposure 1 ectopic Many miscarriages 1 lap 3cycles of clomid Old groupie back from

Response:

Hi all, I was just getting ready to post my exciting news.  Waiting for today’s repeat beta. Well, exciting news turned to devastating news, I will miscarry again. I don’t want to share my grief with you, I’m just looking for some shared experiences/success stories. I m/c’d my 1st pregnancy at 9.2 weeks.  After that, I never git my period.  All the docs told me to relax.  I knew it was something more.  FINALLY, a specialist diagnosed me with PCO and he has been treating me with Metformin, Clomid and HCG. I learned on June 1 (my 30th b-day) that I was pg (via HPT).  I was both elated and terrified.  My 1st beta was last Thursday.  It was 122 and progesterone was 33.  Today’s repeat beta revealed that beta was 124 and progesterone was 32.  I await the torture of miscarriage. I am sad beyond words and terrified that I will never have a baby.  The 1st m/c was explained as very bad luck (probably something chromosomal).  Today on the phone RE tried to explain this m/c as the same thing. Even if 30% of pregnancies result in m/c and 50% for women with PCO, my miscarriage rate 100%.  I have only been pg twice and I’ve miscarried both times.  Forgive me, but it just doesn’t FEEL like bad luck.  What is wrong with me?  Can anything proactive be done to prevent future miscarriages, I cannot handle much more of this.  My progesterone was fine at 7 dpo it was 26 and 15 dpo it was 33. I am so scared and confused.  I lead an incredibly healthy lifestyle and was shocked at the PCO diagnosis.  My cycles had always been relatively normal until my 1st m/c. I will see my RE after this m/c happens at that point we will discuss what’s next.  What do you ladies suggest?  Clomid is obviously not my ideal drug, I still ovualte late (suggesting poor egg quality) leading to miscarriage.  What can be done to enhance egg quality.  Please tell me there’s something.  Please share any success stories you may have. Thanks for all the great advice I had received.  Thanks for anymore you van offer. Kim

Response:

Filed under: PCOS Treatment

Related Posts

• Update on PCOS page, new baby pic's
• misc. questions about insulin pumps
• Switching BCP's
• PCOS Diagnosis
• Wow: Metformin helps symptoms!
• Just had my gall bladder removed monday
• TSH or Leutinizing Hormone levels related to Testosterone?
• met.
• Question about Different Exercises
• Infertility and TRICARE