Menstrating vs. Ovulation??

[NEJ in MO]

I have been on the treatment for almost a month now and am still feeling pretty positive. However, I am concerned about a recent change in my period. I was taking Clomid for about 4 months and my periods were starting to regulate even though I never did get a positive ovulation test during my Clomid treatment. I have taken a break for the holidays, as my doctor suggested, and my period went right back to almost non-exsistant. Does this mean Maybe?? I was ovulating when I was on clomid? Or just menstrating? Really, what is the difference?

[drheather]

I have been on the treatment for almost a month now and am still feeling pretty positive. However, I am concerned about a recent change in my period. I was taking Clomid for about 4 months and my periods were starting to regulate even though I never did get a positive ovulation test during my Clomid treatment. I have taken a break for the holidays, as my doctor suggested, and my period went right back to almost non-exsistant. Does this mean Maybe?? I was ovulating when I was on clomid? Or just menstrating? Really, what is the difference?

Hello and happy new year!

There are a few reasons why your period may be irregular again, first that it is that you are missing it as you did in the past, or it may be that the change in medication is causing a bit of a hiccup. Hopefully it will resume within the next couple weeks.

It can also mean pregnancy, however the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.

Regarding your questions regarding having your period without ovulating. You can have your period and not ovulate. It is called anovulatory bleeding. As you would think, hormone imbalances are the most likely reason, although there are other causes.

However, Clomid is usually the first choice in treating anovulation or to stimulate ovulation. But you were already trying this.

You mentioned that the ovulation tests were not positive during the use of Clomid. Because ovulation tests measure luteinizing hormone (LH) that surges or increases during ovulation is often higher in women with PCOS, it may be harder to predict with an ovulation test. It will depend on the levels of LH. Often, in these cases, ultrasound can be a better tool to confirm ovulation. Even though you did not get a positive reading, I wanted to include information on this topic since many women with PCOS use ovulation kits.

Here is an excerpt from http://www.inciid.org/faq.php?cat=complementarymed&id=2#123:

"Are ovulation predictor kits reliable for women with PCOS?

It depends on whether the woman has high LH levels. A woman with elevated LH may consistently get positive tests or get erratic readings. Most women will show some kind of line in the result window of a test since LH is always present — it is important to note that a positive result is as dark or darker than the control line. The Clearplan Fertility Monitor notes that it is unreliable for women with PCOS. It's a good idea to check with one's doctor for suggestions on home monitoring."

Now, what will be important is to be consistent with the supplements and making sure that you are following the nutrition guidelines and exercising as these have effects on hormone levels as well. We want to support your body in every way that we know we can. How have these been going for you? Have you been feeling better since beginning?

I hope that this helps a bit. Please let me know if I can help further and best of luck.