Conceiving with PCOS

[emenken]

Dr. Heather-

I was diagnosed with PCOS in March of this year and was prescribed Metformin by my doctor. I didn't have any of the normal symtpoms of PCOS, except having problems conceiving. I was given an ultrasound because of extreme pelvic pain and they found that one of my ovaries had too many eggs. She said this medication should soften the walls of the ovary that had the 7 eggs and let them release. All of my levels were normal and I have never had a problem ovulating so I am not on any infertility meds. I haven't ever missed a cycle before, but I am now 11 days late this month. I took a home pregnancy test on day 7 and it was negative, but my mother, when she was pregnant, couldn't get a positive test until 4 weeks late. She hasn't been diagnosed with PCOS, but she did have some problems with cysts when she was younger. I have a lot of the pregnancy symptoms-swollen breasts, frequent urination, a little cramping and lower back pain, constant nausea. I would love to hope that I have finally conceived after two years of trying :) I would like to hold off on going to the doctor for a couple more weeks and try the home tests a couple more times. Is it common for women with PCOS to not have high enough levels of the pregnancy hormone to detect until a few weeks into the pregnancy?

[drheather]

Dr. Heather-

I was diagnosed with PCOS in March of this year and was prescribed Metformin by my doctor. I didn't have any of the normal symtpoms of PCOS, except having problems conceiving. I was given an ultrasound because of extreme pelvic pain and they found that one of my ovaries had too many eggs. She said this medication should soften the walls of the ovary that had the 7 eggs and let them release. All of my levels were normal and I have never had a problem ovulating so I am not on any infertility meds. I haven't ever missed a cycle before, but I am now 11 days late this month. I took a home pregnancy test on day 7 and it was negative, but my mother, when she was pregnant, couldn't get a positive test until 4 weeks late. She hasn't been diagnosed with PCOS, but she did have some problems with cysts when she was younger. I have a lot of the pregnancy symptoms-swollen breasts, frequent urination, a little cramping and lower back pain, constant nausea. I would love to hope that I have finally conceived after two years of trying :) I would like to hold off on going to the doctor for a couple more weeks and try the home tests a couple more times. Is it common for women with PCOS to not have high enough levels of the pregnancy hormone to detect until a few weeks into the pregnancy?

Hello and thanks for writing in. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Although many women with PCOS can struggle with conceiving, it is not every woman's experience and many do become pregnant.

I see that you have also contacted Dr. Shana and I think she should be responding to your post regarding your questions soon.

Based on what you wrote and I know that you planned on it as well, I would do another pregnancy test in a week or two.

Depending on the test, pregnancy may be detected at different times. PCOS does not affect the hormone (HCG) that would be measured to determine pregnancy. Also, the level of HCG may not yet high enough to be detected if you are pregnant.

I do hope to hear that you are pregnant. Best of luck and please feel free to write in at any time.

[emenken]

Later, the same day I originally asked my questions, I got what appeared to be my period. If it was my period, it would have been 11 days late, and it lasted for 4-5 days. It's extremely abnormal for me to be late, seeing as I am usually 28-29 day cycles (39 is a extremely long for me). A lot of websites I have looked into say that a lot of women experience what they think to be their period during pregnancy. Should I take another test to see if it comes up negative, or do you think there's not much of a chance of my being pregnant at this time?

Thank you,
emenken

[drheather]

Later, the same day I originally asked my questions, I got what appeared to be my period. If it was my period, it would have been 11 days late, and it lasted for 4-5 days. It's extremely abnormal for me to be late, seeing as I am usually 28-29 day cycles (39 is a extremely long for me). A lot of websites I have looked into say that a lot of women experience what they think to be their period during pregnancy. Should I take another test to see if it comes up negative, or do you think there's not much of a chance of my being pregnant at this time?

Thank you,
emenken

Hi Emenken,

What you read is correct. It is called implantation bleeding and many women do think it is there period. It is the time that the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. It usually happens about the time your period is due about 10-14 days after ovulation. The bleeding can be a bit lighter in color, not as heavy and does not last as long as your typical period.

However, if you are not sure doing another pregnancy test can give you more information. This is really the only way to know until you follow up with your doctor.

Please keep us posted.