[ashnichole2326]

So, here's the thing: I do have PCOS. Here is my TTC history so far: Started NTNP at the end of March, when I went off the pill. I didn't end up getting my AF that month and started it using Provera. Then we were trying actively in April, but were advised to go back on the pill for 3 months. I started that May 19 when I started spotting, after the provera for that cycle. (yes, I had to use it again. However, my doctor gave it to me when I was not yet 2 weeks late each time. Is that normal? Should I maybe have waited?) Anyhow, I was still taking it at the middle of my cycle, this cycle.

If you look at my chart you can see that I had some CRAZY bleeding going on. And that was ON the pill. What's up with that? So, I just decided to dump the pill until I see a new doc because I just don't feel like it's the right thing to do for me as of right now. I ended up, on CD21 passing some tissue, which looked somewhat like maybe uterine lining, and went to the ER, which sucked and I still haven't a clue what was going on. They told me to take 4 BCP 5x daily, which didn't happen because the bleeding stopped the first or second day.

Anyhow, looking at my chart, my temps were higher in the middle of this cycle than they are now.So, can anyone tell me if that is normal? Should I split the cycle or no? I am so confused and somewhat concerned about this. Any ideas as to what could have made my temps that way? BCP maybe? Any help would be great.

[ShawnaCAN]

First of all, I can sympathize as I also have PCOS. I'm here to let you know that it makes things a bit complicated, but if you have a little peek at my sig...you'll see that there is hope for your BFP!

Secondly, the Pill does absolutely nothing to treat PCOS. You were wise to second guess that advice. The BCP covers up the symptoms by creating a false cycle, but doesn't do a single thing to get to the root of the problem with PCOS - which is usually insulin resistance and a dysfunction with the process of ovulation.

The good news is, there are treatment options which actually get to the root of the problem. The bad news is that the BCP creates a lot of hormonal confusion for your body to deal with. When you come off - the regular PCOS problems are still there PLUS your body has to work extra hard to recover from the hormonal influence of the BCP. All of that hormonal confusion can lead to strange bleeding patterns, as you are experiencing. This is especially true because of all the BCP starting/stopping in recent months. It takes an average of 3 - 18 months for a woman's fertility to fully recover from the BCP anyway, when PCOS isn't a factor. So you can imagine how much harder it is for your body to sort itself out because of the PCOS.

The wisest thing you can do right now is give your body some time to sort itself out. Then I would encourage you to seek the medical advice of a physician who will be more pro-active about treating the PCOS, instead of covering it up with the Pill. NFP physicians tend to be really good about that. Ohio has some great ones!

P.S. Yes, the progesterone in the BCP makes your temps rise. It's usually not possible to detect breakthrough ovulation with charting while on BCP, because it interferes with your signs of fertility.

[ashnichole2326]

Thanks so much for that input. I was really hoping that the temps were so nuts due to the fact that i was using the pill yet again. Oh, I shall never touch another BCP again. They are absolutely horrid!! As for now, I am still just so annoyed by all this. I really hate this crap and I hate it that no person in my life can understand what I am even talking about when it comes to PCOS, charting, etc. They just listen and look so confused. lol.

I am probably driving poor Jerrod insane, although he is pretty much just as irritated as I am.

Thanks again!! Will keep this posted.

[Admin-pattyandthemoos]

Originally Posted by ShawnaCAN

First of all, I can sympathize as I also have PCOS. I'm here to let you know that it makes things a bit complicated, but if you have a little peek at my sig...you'll see that there is hope for your BFP!

Secondly, the Pill does absolutely nothing to treat PCOS. You were wise to second guess that advice. The BCP covers up the symptoms by creating a false cycle, but doesn't do a single thing to get to the root of the problem with PCOS - which is usually insulin resistance and a dysfunction with the process of ovulation.

The good news is, there are treatment options which actually get to the root of the problem. The bad news is that the BCP creates a lot of hormonal confusion for your body to deal with. When you come off - the regular PCOS problems are still there PLUS your body has to work extra hard to recover from the hormonal influence of the BCP. All of that hormonal confusion can lead to strange bleeding patterns, as you are experiencing. This is especially true because of all the BCP starting/stopping in recent months. It takes an average of 3 - 18 months for a woman's fertility to fully recover from the BCP anyway, when PCOS isn't a factor. So you can imagine how much harder it is for your body to sort itself out because of the PCOS.

The wisest thing you can do right now is give your body some time to sort itself out. Then I would encourage you to seek the medical advice of a physician who will be more pro-active about treating the PCOS, instead of covering it up with the Pill. NFP physicians tend to be really good about that. Ohio has some great ones!

P.S. Yes, the progesterone in the BCP makes your temps rise. It's usually not possible to detect breakthrough ovulation with charting while on BCP, because it interferes with your signs of fertility.

I am glad you came over and responded because I don't know a lot about PCOS. I have read that BCP can help make your cycle more regular with PCOS but I think you are right it doesn't actually make the PCOS issues go away.

I think getting to the root of the problem and dealing with the insulin resistance is smart advice.

I hope you will stick around over here. It would be nice to have some other PCOS charters on the board.