Plan to resume TTC in Aug...When to start supplements?

ireallywantapug

Hi there,

My HCG is finally zero and I am waiting for AF. I just re-started my prenatals and am trying vitex for the first time.

What I am unsure of is when I should start B6 and evening primrose. Are they like vitex in that you should start asap and let them build up, or just wait until the beginning of the cycle that we will be trying?

I'm also considering low-dose aspirin. I just wondered if anyone has experience or thoughts on it?

TIA! 

buckeyebaby814

I would only use them as directed by my doctor. Even though they're 'just supplements' they can interfere with the natural hormones in your body. If your hormones are already adequate, taking supplements could cause more harm than good.  The only thing I would take is PNV until clearing the rest with your doctor.

MeganS313

I take B6 every day regardless.  I have read many studies, and talked to my doc about it, that if you have good stores built up that it reduces morning sickness.  Clearly, I'm not dealing with that now, but I've continued to take it. 

I honestly had no idea it improved fertility before I was on this board. 

Like BEB said, I'd clear everything with your doc first just to be safe!

killian09

buckeyebaby814:

I would only use them as directed by my doctor. Even though they're 'just supplements' they can interfere with the natural hormones in your body. If your hormones are already adequate, taking supplements could cause more harm than good.  The only thing I would take is PNV until clearing the rest with your doctor.

 All of this.  And the same goes for the baby aspirin.  I wouldn't take aspirin unless it is specifically recommended by your doctor, preferably after testing and diagnosis of a blood clotting disorder or other related risk factor.  Aspirin in general is NOT recommended as a safe drug during pregnancy; for women with a clotting disorder, the benefits of taking aspirin outweigh the risks, so it is prescribed and in those cases, they should take it.  But if you do not have the disorder, it probably won't help, and there is a small chance it could make things worse.  

https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspirin-during-pregnancy/AN01897 

https://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Baby_Aspirin_Benefits_and_Risks_During_Pregnancy_a1232.html 

Further,  if I recall correctly, your loss was due to an ectopic pregnancy (?).  My doctors have told me that blood clotting disorders are not thought to be linked to ectopic pregnancy risk (i.e. they are only linked to m/c of intrauterine pg's), so it makes it even more unlikely that you would be in a group that would benefit from aspirin.

ireallywantapug

Well thank you for confirming my reservations about the aspirin. Knowing it isn't safe in pregnancy I had my concerns. Think I'll skip it.

But honestly, I have already made up my mind about the others. No doctor anywhere is going to endorse taking those, but after all my research I am confident in trying them. I just wasn't sure about timing.

I believe I wrongly assumed more ladies here were trying alternative therapies... sorry about that.

bananers

ireallywantapug:

Well thank you for confirming my reservations about the aspirin. Knowing it isn't safe in pregnancy I had my concerns. Think I'll skip it.

But honestly, I have already made up my mind about the others. No doctor anywhere is going to endorse taking those, but after all my research I am confident in trying them. I just wasn't sure about timing.

I believe I wrongly assumed more ladies here were trying alternative therapies... sorry about that.

The ladies here believe in being your own health advocate - to do your research and have intelligent conversations with your doctor - but at the end of the day to listen to the one with the medical degree.  

ireallywantapug

bananers:

The ladies here believe in being your own health advocate - to do your research and have intelligent conversations with your doctor - but at the end of the day to listen to the one with the medical degree.  

 Sorry. Just after reading the TTCAL Blog and seeing Vitex and B6 both endorsed in the FAQs I did not guess that my question would be inappropriate here. 

killian09

ireallywantapug:

bananers:

The ladies here believe in being your own health advocate - to do your research and have intelligent conversations with your doctor - but at the end of the day to listen to the one with the medical degree.  

 Sorry. Just after reading the TTCAL Blog and seeing Vitex and B6 both endorsed in the FAQs I did not guess that my question would be inappropriate here. 

 Your question wasn't inappropriate.  You asked, and we were trying to help. I hope you didn't feel attacked.  None of us can know with absolute certainty what will be best for you and your body--we're just sharing our own experiences and views.  Obviously, it's up to you to take it or leave it. 

buckeyebaby814

ireallywantapug:

Well thank you for confirming my reservations about the aspirin. Knowing it isn't safe in pregnancy I had my concerns. Think I'll skip it.

But honestly, I have already made up my mind about the others. No doctor anywhere is going to endorse taking those, but after all my research I am confident in trying them. I just wasn't sure about timing.

I believe I wrongly assumed more ladies here were trying alternative therapies... sorry about that.

It's your choice, but I don't think it's a good one.  You asked for advice then you come back saying you're doing it anyways when you didn't like that we said clear it with your doctor first.  There are women here who are trying or have tried alternative therapies, with doctor's clearance.  

I've tried ALL the supplements you've mentioned, with doctor clearance first.  They didn't do a thing for me.  In fact, after a few wonky cycles, my doctor quickly identified the EPO as the culprit.  Since she knew about the EPO, she knew right away that was likely the cause of my wonky cycle.

Bottom line- most supplements are safe for most people.  However, while those are all 'endorsed' on the TTCAL blog, I think I am safe to say all the ladies here will tell you to seek medical advice when starting any new regimen outside of PNV.  

ireallywantapug

Well I wasn't asking IF I should take them....My question was just about timing.

But I misjudged the norms of the board and it's my mistake. Not the place to ask. I'm sorry. 

ireallywantapug

I truly did not mean to come across that way and I really am sorry that I did. If I sound defensive it's only because I feel stupid for asking now....I swear I don't mean any disrespect...

buckeyebaby814

ireallywantapug:

I truly did not mean to come across that way and I really am sorry that I did. If I sound defensive it's only because I feel stupid for asking now....I swear I don't mean any disrespect...

Don't feel stupid for asking, likes others said your question was appropriate for this board, as were the answers you received!