PCOS and natural alternatives to Provera/Clomid

sarabara13

Hello. My last cycle was 59 days and my husband and I went in for a visit with my doctor. I pretty much knew what her response would be, and also knew that I don't think I am ready to take a drug to force my body to have a period and ovulate. It just doesn't feel right, yet. Not that I am totally ruling it out, I'm just not comfortable with the idea yet.

I am wondering if anyone out there has gone a more natural route after being told they have PCOS should start provera/clomid/IUI, etc. in order to get pregnant. I am looking at trying to regulate my cycles naturally, while continuing to chart. I'm leaning towards herbal supplements and dietary changes but am a bit overwhelmed with all the info available online. I'm waiting to hear back from the doctor on all my bloodwork and hope to be able to ask her for some guidance, but thought I'd check here too.

Thanks

XXXXX222

I personally am not big into herbs and supplements because the research isn't alltogether there yet, and I don't much see a point in rejecting pharmaceuticals but embracing natural drugs that still mess with your body.  Just my opinion.

However, diet wise, you might want to check out Kit's blog at https://pcosisnotme.blogspot.com .  She followed a low-glycemic index style diet and was able to regulate her cycles.  Of course it doesn't work for everyone, but if you're willing to try, it won't hurt.

KatieM1106

kdodge423:

sulfababy:

I personally am not big into herbs and supplements because the research isn't alltogether there yet, and I don't much see a point in rejecting pharmaceuticals but embracing natural drugs that still mess with your body.  Just my opinion.

You are not alone in this.

"Natural" doesn't mean safer. In some cases it means just the opposite as the effects of what is out there have not been extensively researched, unlike pharmaceuticals.

If you prefer this route, you need to take it up with your doctor to see if you can get a referral to someone who deals in more natural remedies instead of attempting to Google diagnose yourself and wrongly medicating with the wrong herbs and screwing things up worse.

 

Yes! I tried natural supplements, but WITH THE PERMISSION OF MY RE. Sorry to yell, but I don't want to leave that part out. I got my BFP that cycle, which ended in a loss. The goal was stronger eggs, but I wonder if the loss had something to do with the supplements, but the RE did not seem to think so. Check out the Soul Cysters message boards for details on the herbal supplements.

christar2000

I am in the same position.  I am just not ready yet to take any meds. My doctor and I decided I would try a low GI diet.  The first cycle while trying this diet I I didn't O, but got a period.  I am still on second cycle (CD 58) and I did O....I am expecting my period on CD 65. 

GlowingintheCity

I do have somewhat of a success story... First, a disclaimer: I agree with the above, and just b/c someone/something says it's "natural" doesn't mean it's safe.  Before going to any alternative health care practitioner or taking any supplements, make sure you get a good referral, or in the case of supplements, permission from your doc.

 That being said, I was diagnosed 8 years ago with mild PCOS.  Ultrasounds and hormone testing was positive, but not over the top.  My cycles were irregular pretty much since my teen years-- we're talking, every 1/2/3 months, with no predictability.  My gynos all told me I'd have trouble getting pregnant because of it, and probably need assistance.  So, about 5 years ago, I started making major changes in my life-- I got into the whole foods movement (eating less processed foods/addiditives/preservatives, more veges, nuts, meats, whole grains) exercised more (and included stress reducing things like yoga), and started seeing a very highly recommended accupuncturist for my PCOS (he also helped me fine tune my diet).  I saw the accupuncturist regularly for about a year or two.  Over the last 4 years I also met and married my DH.  Last April, we decided we wanted to start getting pregnant.  I found myself a new ob/gyn, and had a full scan/body check done to see how my PCOS was doing.  All my cysts were gone, my hormones were all normal.  We started getting TTC in July and, to the shock of myself and my doctors, got pregnant right away. Like the first day.  Unfortunately for us I miscarried at 2 months.  That was really difficult, but my ob/gyn told me it happens to a lot of women, and has more to do with a fluke problem with the fetus more than anythign I could have done/been.  So, we just started trying again this last cycle, and are hopeful. 

Sorry, that was a really long answer.  But the long and short of it is, your health is under your control to some degree.  I would definintely try the alternative route at least for 6 months, if not longer.  I think it's worth it.  Of course, nothing's fool proof and a lot of life is up to chance.  Good luck.

qtsreign

Acupuncture?

sarabara13

Thanks, ladies. I really appreciate your opinions and suggestions. It is most upsetting to me that my body doesn't want to regulate on it's own. I had regular cycles before taking BCP, they were longer (34-36 days) but I knew my cycle like clockwork and felt very in tune with my body. When I decided to start taking the pill I was uncomfortable messing with my system, but thought it was the best and easiest choice for birth control. Anyhow, I assumed when I stopped the pill my typical cycle would return, but it hasn't. And now, again, I am not totally comfortable with messing with my system just yet. I'm not sold on taking anything (drug or herb) and am primarily interested in diet changes. Accupuncture is a great recommendation as well. I've never tried it, but I'm open to anything.

Thanks for your opinions and feedback on what you've done.

GlowingintheCity

One last thing-- check out the book written by an ob/gyn: Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom-- it has lots of stuff on affecting your reproductive health with nutrition and alt. medicine..... good luck, you'll get there

MSC03

Well, the good news that you do O (from what I can see on your chart) and if you O, there's a good chance you can get pregnant. There are a nice handful of long cycle alumnae from TTGP (myself and 11Lemon11 included) that didn't have to use drugs.

*IF* you have been diagnosed with PCOS from bloodwork and ultrasounds, I recommend the book PCOS and your fertility. There's a lot of information about using diet to control your hormones and natural cycle regulation.

Acupuncture also receives pretty good reviews.

Good luck!