Hello

Polaris28

What a great community! I'm new to posting, but thought I'd share a bit about myself. I'm 28 my DH is almost 32, and we've been trying for a year. I've always had issues with irregular/lack of menstrual cycle. 6 years ago I went on birth control, and went off it October 2013. We started TTC February 2014. February 2014 I also started Levothyroxine 50mcg, and still do not have a regular cycle. I'm at every two months. My RE suggested I lose weight, which a couple pounds wouldn't hurt, but I've had this issue since high school, and I was much lighter then. DH recently had a semen test, we are waiting for results, and I have a follow up with my RE in April and we have an appointment with fertility specialist in May. I've only had 4 periods since we started TTC, so I'm worried about ovulation. It upsets me, as I feel the last year of TTC wasn't really trying, or at least, we didn't have enough 'peak times' to try. Trying to research online and learn all I can, it's very overwhelming! I don't know what to expect from my fertility appointment. Thanks for listening.

GoldenKeys

Hi there!  I'm new also and glad that you joined us.    Hopefully your new plan can get you more cycles/peak times to TTC.   By 'fertility specialist' are you referring to an acupuncturist of some type?   I guess I was a little thrown by seeing one in conjunction with an RE (who I consider the ultimate fertility specialists).

Polaris28

Hi! By fertility specialist, I am going to a fertility clinic, where they specialize in infertility and can do many tests/treatments/procedures.

GoldenKeys

But isn't your RE (reproductive endocrinologist) associated with your fertility clinic?  Is it possible that you're using the term "RE" instead of OBGYN or general practitioner?

Polaris28

My RE is at a hospital, separate from the fertility clinic. I'm not sure if she has any ties to them. She isn't my regular doctor or gynecologist. Here's the link for the clinic I'll be going to: https://heartlandfertility.mb.ca/en/ I had asked my regular doctor to see a specialist (my sister went to them as well) and she got me a referral to this place. She's aware I see a RE.

Polaris28

I was under the impression an RE could help too. Only I wasn't really comfortable with how the appointment with her went. My thyroid levels have been fine ever since I started Levothyroxine, and she sent me for another test, levels were fine, and she said she'd see me in four months.

GoldenKeys

Polaris28 said:

I was under the impression an RE could help too. Only I wasn't really comfortable with how the appointment with her went. My thyroid levels have been fine ever since I started Levothyroxine, and she sent me for another test, levels were fine, and she said she'd see me in four months.

Ah... yes I think I understand now.   I wouldn't be too happy with that kind of response from an RE either.   I'm in the USA and usually we get a ton of testing right away by the RE first (not just TSH).   On my first appointment with the RE I had bloodwork for about 12 different tests and a vaginal ultrasound, plus an overview of the various options and medications that could be offered.   Then another appointment for an HSG.   After that we had a meeting where DH and I decided our treatment plan with the RE .

I'm thinking (hoping?) that your fertility center will be able to give you more answers and options.   Good luck and let us know how it goes...

Polaris28

That makes sense then; I guess it works a bit differently here. I should mention I saw her years ago too, so she knows for a fact it's always been a problem. Her advice for TTC was to 'try' lots, and said try days 14-21, as my cycle is irregular, Yes that's exactly what I'm hoping for too; to get some insight and answers. Thank you!

Knottie4978096

Well, you're young, so you have this going for you. But I wouldn't be satisfied with "try lots" from your doctor if you've been having sex with your husband and not using BC for a year. Plus, you have irregular cycles and are on thyroid meds. These are red flags. You need to be tested for PCOS, and thyroid needs to be under 2.0. this is what my RE told me. Often, weight is a symptom of something else going on, especially if you're active and your cycles haven't changed with weight gain. however, a 10% weight loss should be enough to rule weight as an issue out (and is easier to achieve). I would seek the opinion of another doctor and bring your husband along as you're more likely to be taken seriously with your partner backing you up. I hope this helps and don't panic, you're young and these things are treatable.

GoldenKeys

Knottie4978096 said:

Well, you're young, so you have this going for you. But I wouldn't be satisfied with "try lots" from your doctor if you've been having sex with your husband and not using BC for a year. Plus, you have irregular cycles and are on thyroid meds. These are red flags. You need to be tested for PCOS, and thyroid needs to be under 2.0. this is what my RE told me. Often, weight is a symptom of something else going on, especially if you're active and your cycles haven't changed with weight gain. however, a 10% weight loss should be enough to rule weight as an issue out (and is easier to achieve). I would seek the opinion of another doctor and bring your husband along as you're more likely to be taken seriously with your partner backing you up. I hope this helps and don't panic, you're young and these things are treatable.

^^^ All of this!!

Polaris28

Thanks, everyone! I've been. Working out regularly and so far all it did was cause me to skip a period. I haven't had one since December and should have had one in February.
I don't want to get into a weight discussion, but I'm 5'5 and about 170. Everyone thinks my RE was crazy to act like losing weight would magically help. I totally get that it 'could' help, but with all the other things, I don't think that is the answer.
I see my RE again next month, but the month after my DH and I have our appointment at the fertility clinic, where I expect the appointment to go better.
Happy thoughts!

Knottie4978096

I agree - weight isn't the issue here. I get REs pushing weight loss for those who are obese (and need to improve their overall health in general) - but the fact is that women gain weight as we age and as long as your lifestyle is healthy (diet, exercise, etc) then losing weight isn't going to magically solve infertility. I've gained weight from taking the IF hormones and was told not to embark on a weight loss regimen until after the IVF round. My advice, run away from doctors who fixate on weight as the root of your problem. It's a symptom.

Polaris28

I will continue to work out, but I just had my 2nd RE appointment. I told her I've been tired, sometimes light headed and can't lose weight.
I went for a bloodtest, and I'm waiting for results. But chances are really good I have to have an hour long hormone test. And she was supportive of me going to a fertility clinic. She said they may put me on chlomid. Which I would take, just worried because it seems to trcky to take properly,
She said it could be pituitary gland issues, with my reproductive areas not getting what they need, or sometimes just unexplained. I asked if not getting menstrual cycles can cause infertility and she said yes.
So holding out for results but mostly to see the fertility clinic next week.
So glad the in laws family didn't bug me about having kids this Easter.
It's so frustrating trying to get answers. I don't mean to be a downer, but right now I just feel like conceiving isn't possible (no menstrual since December) and my husband thinks there is. Though he's probably just being strong for me.

GoldenKeys

Hi, I'm sorry that you're feeling down.  The holidays tend to do that for a lot of us because of family gatherings, etc.   BTW have you ever read "Taking charge of your fertility"?    I highly recommend it if you haven't, for a lot of reasons, most importantly it will help you understand what your fertility clinic is doing much better... and you'll be able to advocate for yourself.    

 If you're not getting periods it's because you're not ovulating, so yeah pregnancy just doesn't happen without eggs being available to fertilize.   Without temping and OPKs, the chances of catching the next egg is much more difficult if you don't have regular cycles.  The good news is your clinic will pretty likely be able to get you to the place where your chances are much better.  GL and let us know how your fert appt went!