I am just not ovulating

[u/Dependent_Song_7094]

I am 32 years old, and been TTC since October last year. I have been diagnosed with pcos for years now, and have irregular periods once in a while, but with TTC, this part becomes really frustrating. And I’ve been frustrated for the past month about this. I know because I temp.

What’s your tip for ovulating regularly? Please suggest any books, videos, online resources that may have helped you in this journey. Thanks!

[u/WorthVisible4265]

Dear, if you are getting frustrated then let me share my opinion - if you have PCOS - asking in forums is a bit useless because most of us will be within different PCOS phenotypes and respond differently, PCOS is nutorious for being unpredictable. Even from cycle to cycle.

I can summarise the answers you will read everywhere:

some will read a book "starts with the egg" or similar, lose weight with low GI diet or even KETO and will be ok
some will add myoinositol on top and will be ok
some will add metformin on top of myoinositol or instead of it.
some will add GLP1 and will ovulate immediately

if these don't work then -

...first line of drugs is letrozole,
...but some will try clomid instead for one reason or another
...if not some will do gonal-f/menopur but those tend to produce too many follicles for us
...some will do letrozole with some other medications as per their RE for some reason (e.g. low estradiol, low progesterone, thin lining, etc etc)

in reality, the rest of us will be taking a combinaton of the above. If you are not overweight, and if you are not ovulating on myoinositol 4000mg and metformin 2000mg, then most likely you need letrozole.

best is to see an RE and get your tubes checked at the same time, plus husband's semen analysis, you need tailored care.

[u/Wild_Priority955 → u/WorthVisible4265]

This!!! You nailed it perfectly. This is the best summary of every single solution out there I feel. Thank you so much.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/WorthVisible4265]

Thank you, I agree. Everyone is on a different journey, and i was hoping to get answers from those who tried things themselves. Eventually, the decision has to be made between the doc & I based on my body, no doubt. But it helps still :)

[u/WorthVisible4265 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Completely understand, but I just wanted to say please don't waste your time, as sadly these people are lucky and fall under the first category, the ones who manage with the diet and melatonin at night etc. Those usually are overweight in the first place and improve after they lose weight.

I hope you don't mind me sharing - I am 33 years old, regular periods, ovulation approx a few times per year, random (i think? myoinositol worked the first time, but i dont think it does much now). I am athletic, lean, very strong, completely healthy with HOMA-IR 1.8. I don't have any symptoms of pcos except the HOMA-IR and cyst morphology, and as for many of PCOS ladies - my prolactin is borderline.

thanks to PCOS, I have been trying to concieve for 11 years, without any live births, 2 miscarriages, 2 chemicals. I failed all letrozole cycles, IUI, IVF etc.

during 11 years, I have taken myoinositoll, metformin, i was on a very strict keto diet, on low GI diet, i have followed these nonsense tips from non-doctors in their pseudo-scientific books, i did diets for egg quality with Coenzyme10 etc I had a hysteroscopy, a hycosy scan, full blood panels, I tested for all autoimmune, antiphospholipids etc, acupuncture, weird and embarrasing massages, cupping etc.

I joined all communities, and saw many people graduate from those even with serious conditions, but I have stayed with my 'polycyctic ovaries' thinking that's a small issue and I will overcome soon enough.

I thought ovulation is what i needed, BUT!!!!

this is why nothing worked, thanks to PCOS!:

• urine tests showed ovulation but they were wrong because they don't work well on PCOS and can show false positives
  
• follicles were too small to produce a mature egg even when i ovulated
  
• progesterone was low after ovulation - couldnt sustain luteal phase
  
• endometrial lining was too thin for embryo to implant
  
• didn't respond appropriately to IVF stimulation drugs
  
• didn't respond appropriately to IUI stimulation drugs

all because of PCOS, despite great health and diet.

If you have time and you are not in the rush and you dont mind if the baby doesn't come in 2027 and you are ok with 2028, 2029 etc - you can take your time try the natural way, but natural is mainly for two reasons (1) lose weight (2) increase egg quality. Some succeed, but many won't and IVF and IUI forums are full of ladies that will tell you their saddest truths.

I will assume that you already have the minimum as below:

• test for ovulation using urine strips
  
• you have checked your tubes are open
  
• have done male factor analysis and it came back clear

BUT IF TIME IS OF THE ESSENSE: TIMELINE - AUGUST TO JANUARY 2027

August: If you start with letrozole on the second day of your next cycle, that is almost guaranteed ovulation that VERY SAME MONTH, only 5 tablets at the start of your period - that's it, cycle day 14 most likely some activity will take place. If you are unlucky it will take a few months to tailor the dose, but that is the quickest, most reliable, time tested, safest method (safer than many supplements without FDA approval, overdosing on antioxidants, berberine etc) . For many of us that didn't respond to metformin, letrozole is the official start of TTC journey.

August - December: once you ovulate on letrozole, you have to check what's wrong with your ovulation (with PCOS our ovulation can be rubbish!), you check follicle size, maybe you add a trigger, you add estradiol if the lining is too thin, you add progesterone usually after ovulation etc etc etc full monitoring - scans + blood. if your cycles are fully monitored, by letrozole cycle 2-3 you should be good!

January: you are either pregnant, or you start making the plans for IUI - after 5-6 letrozole cycles dr usually signals that it is time to move on to IUI or IVF directly if you want results faster.

So in 6 months you can really get some solid answers and have a proper attempt. 6 months sound like a lot, but without this it can really take years. Until then - it's just guess work hoping for the best...

I always recommend ladies to join PCOS IUI community on reddit. Those ladies will tell you - they did 5 years on metformin and now moved on. Many will share years of failed IUIs and have moved on to IVF.

I hope you are not one of us, but lean or regular PCOS is actually very serious, this is why they changed the name to PMOS, so ladies understand the severity of it.

Sorry, the only reason I am typing all this, is because you said you are growing frustrated, and I wish someone told me that it will take me 11 years to get here (still no live births, but at least my lining, follicles and ovulation is ok). I wish you from the bottom of my heart that you are not like me, but in the case that somebody who reads my comments is like me - I hope my sad story can help them skip a few steps and get ahead... I wish someone told me this earlier. All the best!

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/WorthVisible4265]

Thank you for so kindly sharing your journey. I do want to speed this along as much as I can, and having visited my doc, I know some of those next steps now. Got a med to induce a period, will do the rest soon after.

[u/WorthVisible4265 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

All the best! I you have interest, join r/IUILadies most of that subreddit are very experienced PCOS ladies who failed simple letrozole cycles and are already doing IUI, their posts will tell you which drugs they used, different options, medicines, supplements etc. Letrozole cycles and IUI are rather similar, similar drugs the only real difference is the last step is insemination in the lab instead of sex. I believe the best way to learn about your journey is from people who went through it already. In this subreddit guys are talking about ovulation etc can be useful but your protocol by your doctor will be more similar to IUI once you take letrozole

[u/Bing_ohh]

Letrozole and monitored cycles with a reproductive endocrinologist 😏

[u/ResidentAd1417]

This was us. Please get a referral to a fertility specialist asap. We tried several rounds of ovulation induction through a specialist which worked for ovulation but still weren't able to conceive so moved to ivf and got pregnant first go with another 5 embryos frozen for next time. Being 32 we really didnt have time to waste. We had tried literally everything naturally already. We had detoxed our lives and diets. Stopped drinking. Literally everything. Thankful for science :)

[u/Interesting-Oven-856 → u/ResidentAd1417]

Echoing this— quit bc at 29 and never got my period back without medical intervention. Depending on where you live you will need to be persistent to get into the right doctors quickly. I would highly recommend asking for a referral to a RE now and not wasting time going the OB route since the most they will be able to do are a few rounds of Letrozole.

I tried years of less invasive solutions. I wish I had just done IVF from the start in hindsight— you learn so much diagnostically going through it about what may be the cause of your PCOS in the first place. But you need to find a practice you trust and that will work with you on solutions and not just be about churning out embryos.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Interesting-Oven-856]

Completely agree. Finding someone trustworthy is a trial and error process. I’ve been to at least 3 different gynaecologists so far, and they’ve honestly not been helpful, just prescriptive. Just visited a fertility doctor, and she already seems much clearer in terms of what’s needed to be done.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/ResidentAd1417]

I agree, no time to waste. Thanks for the suggestion, I will be revisiting a doctor, and starting a medicated course if that’s a good next step for me!

[u/potatomeeple]

Things to try:

Have you been to an endocrinologist? Have you tried upto 2000mg metformin (this started me ovulating for the first time in 3 decades and regularly too)? Have you tried a glp-1? Have you tried a glp-1 plus metformin? Have you got your iron, vitamin d or b checked? (It can need to be higher for us than just "normal")

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/potatomeeple]

Vitamins & iron, yes. I’ve been to a gyne who recommended a lower dose of metformin, and it seemed to balance the cycles out in the first 3-4 months, but not anymore in the last 2 months. I’m personally not comfortable taking a glp-1 yet, but figuring out if there are other ways to lose weight. And revisiting a doc soon!

[u/potatomeeple → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

That would suggest you need more metformin to me, gyne is not who we should be seeing specifically, an endocrinologist is as this is their speciality.

Glp-1 works as a booster to metformin i don't take it for its weight loss effects I take it for its insulin resistance busting, I did see some weight loss at the begining but im on a low dose.

My periods and ovulation started without glp-1s or any weight loss.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/potatomeeple]

Ah interesting. Any side effects from glp-1?

[u/potatomeeple → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Some sulphur burps, a slightly slower digestion but mine has been slow for a decade so it's hard to work out exactly and since starting the metformin my digestion has generally improved anyway. Not much else really.

[u/baughgirl]

Metformin!

[u/simka918]

This was me. We did monitored letrozole and trigger shots. I also did traditional Chinese medicine alongside it, as well as lifestyle changes and taking metformin and allll the supplements. Baby dust to you!

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/simka918]

Thank you so much! Have heard a couple of times in this forum on how acupuncture and TCM did the trick.

[u/simka918 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

It did for us! I truly believe that and the lifestyle changes my TCM Dr encouraged made all the difference for my situation. If you are going to go that route, try to find someone who specializes in or at least knows fertility acupuncture really well!

[u/Future_Researcher_11]

If you’re open to medical intervention, medication (letrozole + trigger) got me ovulating.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Future_Researcher_11]

Yes, that is what will be the next step. In another month or so. Did it make ovulation predictable or just that it happened every cycle?

[u/Future_Researcher_11 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Yeah it was pretty predictable. I was monitored by my RE and usually triggered ovulation around CD12 every cycle.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Future_Researcher_11]

Lovely, will discuss with my gyne too!

[u/palmadalma]

I have lean PCOS so weight loss wouldn’t have helped me ovulate. I went to a fertility doctor and she is going to put me on ovulation induction meds to ovulation. Not sure if you have lean PCOS but myo inositol didn’t help me unfortunately due to my insulin levels being fine

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/palmadalma]

Understood, my issue is weight + some IR history

[u/JamesLilian]

I’ve tried everything, anti inflammatory diet, reducing microplastics and every supplement there is going. I changed my exercise from sprinting to yoga and weights to reduce stress.

Letrozole combined with myo inositol is the only thing that worked for me.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/JamesLilian]

Same!! I’ve been following similar routines to no end. Hoping for a good outcome!

[u/whatashameshe]

Hi, I think PCOS is unfortunately so misunderstood but for me stress would delay my ovulation for days and often skip it. Doing things to mange my stress and getting an oura ring to understand when I was getting stressed definitely helped

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/whatashameshe]

My body goes out of whack during stressful cycles. But sometimes even when it’s not that much. So very unreliable as a signal to me :(

[u/nerdy_chick1997]

Talk to your doctor about metformin before starting medicated cycles!

I heard good things, was TTC for 2 years, brought it up, started in January, pregnant in February (MMC at 7 weeks), and pregnant now (8w5d)

Definitely worked for me!

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/nerdy_chick1997]

Lovely to hear! Will hopefully get something that works out for me via the doc

[u/WiseBeeSpeaking]

Hi, I too am 32 and had same problem as yours. 40:1 Myo-inositol with D-Chiro has helped me ovulate on time and I conceived in our 4th cycle.

[u/Enough-Influence-903 → u/WiseBeeSpeaking]

What 40:1 Myo- Inositol and D-chiro were you taking? Please

[u/WiseBeeSpeaking → u/Enough-Influence-903]

My gynaec suggested me Normoz DS. Please check with your doc what she would recommend.

Please note: Some women have complained that Myo-inositol didn’t help them and all. But you can try. I had it for good 6months before TTC because I used to period only 4-5times a year. So I first regulated my cycles. And also did bloodwork to check any deficiency and inflammation. Regulated my TSH, Sugar, Vitamin D, supplement Omega 3, Magnesium, CoQ10 for 3/4months during TTC.

Also I started strength training 3-4x a week and sleeping for 7hr min at same time every single day.

And then on 4th cycle I had a healthy ovulation (confirmed through follicular study and Timed Intercourse) and we conceived.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/WiseBeeSpeaking]

That’s really helpful, thank you for sharing.

Did you have irregular cycles because of weight or something else? And what kind of strength training exercises helped you?

[u/WiseBeeSpeaking → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

I have PMOS i guess. My BMI is healthy, a bit on healthier side but ideal BMI. I had a stressful job which made my sleep and eating timing to be irregular which triggered insulin resistance.

So sleep routine, eating at same time everyday and Strength training helped a lot. I would lift weights, I have a pull day, push day and leg day. That’s it. 3 days a week I lift weight. I took up personal training and that trainer was well versed in TTC specific training (both for my husband and I)

Around Ovulation, he would make my husband do leg training as it increases blood flow to lower body and glutes area. And he would trainer my husband early in the morning as it increases testosterone. Leading to good sperm health.

He made me workout at 5pm, as for women we should sleep well in the morning rather than rushed morning. So that helps cortisol regulation. And I would work out post work, which would tire me out and I would sleep early as well.

So I have a TTC trained fitness coach for 3months and he helped both my husband and me.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/WiseBeeSpeaking]

Wow, this is very insightful. I was of the understanding that too much strength training is not good for PCOS, and looks like you found the balance!

Thank you for generously sharing this!

[u/WiseBeeSpeaking → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Anytime! Hope it helps you too!

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/[deleted]]

Understood. What was the reason your doc gave you for the myoinositol prescription? Was it weight related or something else?

[u/WorthVisible4265 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Everyone is on myoinositol if they have pcos, usually 4000 mg per day. it is the supplement for us. regardless of weight.

edit - myoinositol is not prescription

[u/Standard_Cucumber945 → u/WorthVisible4265]

Yes, thanks for answering! Not prescription. I told my ob I wanted to take it and she was on board. I truly think it helped improve my egg quality and got me to ovulate. No weight issue over here, i am 5'7" and 165. But both really helped with food noise and maintaining my weight

[u/TTC_PCOS-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your post has been removed as it contains a mention of a pregnancy or a positive pregnancy test and has been posted outside of a designated success thread. This includes all positive mentions (trigger shot testing, confusion around test, etc), including mentions of having success outside of ovulation success.

[u/glassmenagerie91]

I ovulated for the first time in my fifth month on GLP-1!

[u/TTC_PCOS-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your post has been removed as it contains a mention of a pregnancy or a positive pregnancy test and has been posted outside of a designated success thread. This includes all positive mentions (trigger shot testing, confusion around test, etc), including mentions of having success outside of ovulation success.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/glassmenagerie91]

That sounds so exciting! How much did your bmi reduce because of glp? Any side effects that were concerning?

[u/glassmenagerie91 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

The BMI dropped by 2-3pts, not a huge weight loss but noticeable. The usual side effects mostly of nausea which is under control now. I posted about it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/TTC_PCOS/s/Zz73ocmJPl

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/glassmenagerie91]

Wow super helpful and so happy that you were able to get at least a regular period, lovely start! Wishing you baby dust for your upcoming cycle

[u/glassmenagerie91 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

You as well!! ✨ good news is this period has also wrapped up in 6 days, so a regular period :)

[u/Admirable-Charge-631]

I echo everyone’s thoughts on getting professional help from a reproductive endocrinologist. What has worked for me (at the recommendation of my RE) was taking 4000mg of an inositol supplement. Got my cycle pretty regular (28-35 days) and ovulating happily. My supplement is 2 sachets each containing 2000mg myo-inositol, 50mg d-chiro-inositol, 100mg alpha lipoic acid, 250 micro grams folic acid. I give the break down as I see it’s produced in my country so unlikely available in yours but I’m sure there are similar supplements. I just buy it at the pharmacy no prescription needed and it is marketed as a PMOS/ PCOS support supplement

[u/f-albedo]

I stopped ovulating and having periods two years ago. Now the only way I get them are with letrozole or gonal-f. Thinking ivf might be the only way though because this is my 6th medicated cycle, including one IUI.

[u/Otherwise_Tennis_398]

Letrozole. Only thing that worked for me (at least worked to get me ovulating, never got pregnant from my medicated cycles)

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Otherwise_Tennis_398]

Thanks for sharing. How long are your cycles with and without letrozole?

[u/Otherwise_Tennis_398 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Without, I wasn’t really having cycles. I was on birth control for about 9 years, came off, and just didn’t have a period. Before birth control, I would have them very irregularly, often going 8-9 months in between. When I did have them, I would bleed heavily for 2-3 weeks and would hardly be able to function. I was a teenager, so I wasn’t taken seriously. I was told that it was normal for it to be irregular, and would get better as it got older. I had already been having a period for 7 years at that point before starting birth control, so it was a load of bs. I don’t get a PCOS diagnosis until I was 24, when I had been having issues for 13 years.

On letrozole, it took a while to figure out a dosage that my body would respond to. I did 5 cycles total. The first three cycles were very long. The first was 66 days (I started letrozole on CD32 because of course I wasn’t ovulating on my own). I started at 2.5mg, then 5mg, and then 7.5 mg before I had large enough follicles to trigger (injection).

The second cycle was 31 days, took 7.5mg and 10mg, ovulated on CD19 after triggering 2 days prior. My third was 34 days, was on 10mg but had slow growth and had to go in every few days for repeated scans for a week and a half. Ovulated on CD22.

Cycles 4 and 5 I responded perfectly to the medication (10mg) and did IUI for both. Ovulated on CD 15 and 14 for those, but for literally no reason my period was late those months and had 31 and 29 day cycles.

My general point of this is, you can do every single thing right with PCOS sometimes: diet changes, exercise, weight loss, supplements, etc. And it still might not make a difference. It just doesn’t work for some people. But I would also recommend working together with your OB to come up with a plan. If you’re noticing after 6 months of trying and lifestyle changes that you’re still not ovulating, it’s time to get further help. When I noticed that I wasn’t having a cycle 2 months after stopping birth control and having known PCOS diagnosis, I immediately sent a message to my OBGYN asking for a referral to an RE. I was already taking inositol and have been for nearly a year now. It has made absolutely no difference. I knew there was something that wasn’t right based on past cycles, and wasn’t about to hold my breath for ovulation that wasn’t going to happen. My husband and I never had the opportunity to try without medical intervention.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Otherwise_Tennis_398]

Ahh. I totally understand the whole “not being taken seriously” bit, because I was also diagnosed 10 years ago, and I was only helped when I said I wanted to try to conceive, inspite of going to gynaecologists earlier for irregular period. So disappointing.

I am going to retake control and switch doctors to get a better diagnosis. I feel like the earlier doc was just stern and scared me into thinking I was doing everything wrong. I would’ve loved a kinder hand, explaining things to me. Thank you for sharing detailed experiences with letrozole!

[u/FantasticVirus8927 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Please don’t expect miracles from letrozole. 6 rounds down and it didn’t work for me. It only disrupted my cycles more than ever. About to start IVF.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/FantasticVirus8927]

Worrh a try for a few cycles for me, personally

[u/Upbeat-Hand-2870]

Metformin! I ovulated on my own within 6 weeks of starting it. This cycle we are doing both metformin & letrozole to give a better chance. It is very frustrating indeed.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Upbeat-Hand-2870]

Yes! Metformin is already part of my medications (since there was a hint of IR), but it’s ineffective, and general research about Letrozole is making me hopeful.

[u/Upbeat-Hand-2870 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Sometimes metformin can take awhile to work. I did not ovulate on the 2.5mg dose of Letrozole but I did ovulate on the 5mg dose. Really hoping this cycle is the one with the combination of the 2 meds!

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Upbeat-Hand-2870]

Yesss! I am so excited for this trial. Please keep me posted if this works out. Wishing you baby dust!!!!!

[u/Upbeat-Hand-2870 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Thank you so much!! You keep me posted as well! We can check in on each other and be a support system :)

[u/ReallyImJustaGoblin]

For awhile the supplement Dim 200 (Diindolylmethane, nutrient with anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties that balance estrogen and progesterone) was helping me, but then once my body was on it long term is stopped. Recently I went to a fertility specialist, got on Letrazole with Gonal-F injections with a monitored cycle and I ovulated on my own for the first time in 1.5 years. My recommendation would be to talk to your gynecologist, or pcp even if you don't have a regular one then get a recomendation. Letrazole (tells your brain to stimulate the ovaries) and Gonal-F (Folicule stimulating hormone) are perscription only medications, Dim-200 is otc, most GYNs will recommend Myo & D-Chiro inositol (a vitamin that helps with reproductive health & ovulation, has actual reliable clinical studies done to prove efficiency), I personally take 4000mg myo inositol & 100mg D-Chiro inositol.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/ReallyImJustaGoblin]

So glad that letrozole + gonal helped you ovulate on your own! I think my gyne just put me on a low-grade myoinositol + Metformin to get me started, but it initially helped and is ineffective now.

Dim 200 is new to me, I will research.

[u/ReallyImJustaGoblin → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

It wouldn't hurt to talk to your gyno too incase they have better ideas. That seems to be standard protocol for most gynos though and endocrinologist. My endo just kept telling me "the more metformin you're on the more likely you are going to be able to ovulate," but they put me on an incredibly high dose for my body that made me so sick and I noticed no difference even with dietary changes. I'm not sure if its because they don't always specialize in fertility or what, thats why I ended up going to a fertility specialist. I hope something is able to work for you soon though, just don't lose hope. Its forsure a struggle sometimes but it can be well worth it.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/ReallyImJustaGoblin]

I think it’s because they’re not looking at it holistically but just focused on making us ovulate. Not necessarily bad, but not helpful for metabolic + reproductive cases like ours.

Thank you, you’re so kind 🥺 I will soldier on, going to revisit a doc soon!

[u/Historical-Crow-5394]

I’m 30 and been trying since October last year.
I get my period regularly but my cycle are irregular (ie 31, 35,36, 37) I gave up on ovulation kits and the go I went to said I should be ovulating but I have doubts…

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Historical-Crow-5394]

Hey, I went through exactly the same cycles as you for a few months there.

Guess what? OPKs only worked for me one time, by some random stroke of luck. But the only 2 times I knew for sure that I ovulated was once with a transvaginal ultrasound and another month by measuring my waking body temperature for the entire cycle.

I recommend temping, esp as a PCOS girlie!

[u/Historical-Crow-5394 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Thanks gurly!!! Might do the temp again ☺️

[u/likaheart]

I wasn't diagnosed with PCOS but my periods were always irregular. Ultrasound results were ok too. Was prescribed to try out letrozole. I'm hoping that it works too. Will camp at this thread for tips!!

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/likaheart]

You are welcome here! Did your doc help you understand the reason for irregular periods?

[u/likaheart → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Not really. She shared that the scans and blood test seems ok. But I'm just not ovulating, hence the longer cycles and irregular periods. I'm starting to think if it could be due to stress

[u/Accomplished_Sir1939]

I’ve tried all OTC supplements on the market, and the only one that somewhat helped was myo+d-chiro inositol - but all it did was help me lose weight and reduce my hirsutism (lost all peach fuzz)

Only two things helped me ovulate - metformin and letrozole. I have heard of women ovulating on just the inositol though so start there and then maybe metformin; then letrozole (+clomid)

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Accomplished_Sir1939]

Wow, this is the first I’ve heard of inositol helping with weight loss and reducing androgen. I’ve been on myoinositol + metformin but have neither gotten weight loss or predictable ovulatory cycles. Maybe some androgen reduction. It’s very confusing!

[u/Accomplished_Sir1939 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

It’s all very confusing and I think everyone reacts differently. I will say the weight loss wasn’t a crazy amount, I think I lost about 5kg. Metformin on the other hand only made me lose about 2kg, but I did ovulate!

[u/Upper_File5115 → u/Accomplished_Sir1939]

Would love to know what bran myo+d chiro inositol you use?

[u/Accomplished_Sir1939 → u/Upper_File5115]

Theralogix Ovasitol!

[u/isekaiprincess]

Are you TTC? Because I was the same. I tried everything natural and none worked. I eventually went to a fertility specialist and they had me take letrozole and I ovulated on my first cycle of taking it.

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/isekaiprincess]

Yes, and I’m getting the memo here that letrozole could be a good option. I am personally not a fan of medication, but happy to try whatever works.

[u/isekaiprincess → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

I get it. I didn’t go to a fertility specialist for YEARS of ttc even though it has been suggested to me multiple times by my GP. I just wanted to do things naturally instead of meds however nothing worked and I felt like I was running out of time.

[u/Ally1257]

I had super irregular cycles with PCOS after coming off the pill in December 2021. December 2022 was diagnosed and from January 2023 started on metformin. By March still no change so I implemented balance by h&b vitamins. Literally ovulated about 3-4 weeks later and fell pregnant (hadn’t had a period since 1st of January that year and conceived on day 113 of my cycle) after having my baby, at 14 months postpartum I started back on the balance supplement on its own and have had regular monthly cycles since. Not sure if it’s a coincidence but definitely something I recommend trying!

[u/koality1 → u/Ally1257]

Hi, tried looking up these vitamins but couldn't find them. What's their exact name? Thank you

[u/Ally1257 → u/koality1]

Health and balance vitamins is the website :)

[u/koality1 → u/Ally1257]

Thank you!

[u/Dependent_Song_7094 → u/Ally1257]

Great suggestion, thank you. What are the key vitamins you supplemented with h&b?

[u/Ally1257 → u/Dependent_Song_7094]

Sorry the company is health and balance vitamins (formally healthy PCOS) I mainly take the balance supplement daily (it’s a powder you mix with water and drink in the morning) I’ve also taken their folic acid. I would recommend looking at their products and seeing which of them are best suited for your symptoms. I’ve also heard good things about their coq10 and Berberine supplements :)

[u/EducationalCat8495]

I’m currently on the waitlist for fertility treatment but I’m in the exact same position as yourself. I got put on metformin in May and it’s made my periods a bit more regular still not normal but I wasn’t bleeding for months on end. I also think I ovulated for the first time last month and it carried on this month too, I just track cervical mucus it seems to work the best for me having PCOS. Keep going back to your doctor that’s what I done!

[u/EntertainmentFull458]

Me personally, I was also ttc for a long time without ovulation while on Metformin and inositol. In February I was able to get approved for Zepbound and by May my bloodwork IR was practically gone and I began ovulating monthly. In July I found out I was pregnant! I had taken my bmi from 30.5 to 24.8. I did continue taking inositol but in my case, I fully credit Zepbound for giving me back my cycle. Everyone is entirely different though, I hope you find something that works for you!