PCOS & Infertility

MY STORY:

I found out that I had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS when I was 19. I only share my story to try to help others who struggle with the same battles of this condition, or to help people close to my heart understand my journey, NOT to make you feel sorry for me.

WHAT IS PCOS? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman's ovaries. It is characterized by polycystic ovaries -Poly, meaning many (cysts develop in the ovaries), irregular or no menstrual periods, irregular ovulation and high levels of androgens in the body. Androgens are male hormones. Women with PCOS usually have problems getting pregnant. Usually, when a woman ovulates during each menstrual cycle, a number of eggs develop in each ovary and eventually one, the "dominant" egg, is released during ovulation. The other eggs shrivel back down into the ovary. In PCOS, the bead-like cysts around the ovary are the remains of dominant eggs that were never released. 

DIAGNOSIS:The PCOS Foundation refers to PCOS as the "Silent Killer" because it cannot be diagnosed with one simple test and many women are undiagnosed. Signs and symptoms vary from patient to patient.The PCOS diagnosis is generally made through clinical signs and symptoms. I don't remember a time in my life when I could predict when my period was going to come. It has always been irregular, and when it did come, the pains and cramps associated with it would be unbearable. When I was 17, I went on birth control pills to regulate my cycle and ease the cramps when it did come. Birth Control pills worked great at managing my side-effects and regulating my cycle. But soon, my side effects were becoming more and more dominant and obvious. This is when I got my blood tested and had my first Pelvic Ultrasound. -still to this day my most uncomfortable doctor encounter ever.

CAUSES: No one is quite sure what causes PCOS, and it is likely to be the result of a number of both genetic (inherited) as well as environmental factors. Women with PCOS often have a mother or sister with the condition, and researchers are examining the role that genetics or gene mutations might play in its development. I am the only one in my family/gene pool with this condition as far as I know.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: Signs and symptoms tend to emerge during late adolescence or early adulthood. Some women do not have all the symptoms, and each one can range from mild to severe. In many cases, all the woman complains of is the inability to get pregnant or menstrual problems.The most common signs and symptoms of PCOS are:

Irregular or no menstrual periods

Problems getting pregnant & infertility- this could be because there is no ovulation, or it is irregular

Hirsutism - excessive hair growth, usually on the chest or face

Hair loss (from the head) & Lashes

Acne

Pelvic pain

Many cysts on the Ovaries

Trouble losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight.

Insulin resistance

Patches of dark skin at the back of the neck, possibly some other areas of the body. This is caused by too much insulin.

I personally have 8 of these 9 symptoms- all but the last one.

HOW IS PCOS TREATED?: Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Things that help manage the symptoms: Birth control pills, fertility meds, some surgeries (but with great risk)

LIFESTYLE helps: Limiting processed food or foods with added sugar. Cutting out all simple sugars, Gluten, Soy, and Dairy.

Exercising a lot, getting enough sleep, no smoking or drinking alcohol.

I am so blessed and lucky to have the gospel in my life when it comes to these issues, as I live the word of wisdom and needed to make very few lifestyle changes.

I'm at the time in my life where I am anxious to start a family. I know that PCOS has effects on pregnancies, such as increased miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and premature delivery, but of coarse I am willing to take those risks to feel the joy of becoming a mother.

EMOTIONAL SIDE EFFECTS:  

Embarrassed by your appearance

Worried about being able to get pregnant

Depression

I have been off of Birth Control Pills for 20 months now. 1 Year with no other meds (had 3 periods on my own). 8 Months ago my Doc put me on fertility drug Clomid- gives me some intense hot flushes, so don't mind me fanning away! I have been taking my temperature every day for 8 months now and the Clomid did work, because I have been ovulating (temperature definitely does increase) it's just not regular- like it will be on day 16, then day 24, then day 20 etc. of my cycle. I have been taking natural supplements: Saw Palmetto, Inositol, Tribulis, Dong Quai, Maca, Evening Primrose oil and Chasteberry along with prenatals. When my period does come, it completely knocks me out- Fever, night sweats, chills, back pain, aches all over my body like I have the flu, Migraine, abdominal pain, bad acne, bloating- you name it- I am MIA for 6 days. I try my best to have a healthy diet and exercise for 1 hour a day, and do everything under the sun to manage my side effects, all the while, trying to feel feminine.

Infertility feels like this:

Hope.

False alarm.

Hope.

Discouragement.

Hope.

Frustration.

Hope.

Shame.

Hope.

Despair.

This article pretty much sums it up for me->

http://natepyle.com/the-disgrace-of-infertility/#sthash.qLlOjY9U.dpbs

WHAT I KNOW:

I know that women who are pregnant or have kids that sit and complain about it are wrong.

I know that faith without works is dead, so I am practicing my faith by ensuring I do all I can to look after my body so it can be ready and healthy for when (and if) I do get pregnant.

I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me.

I know He also knows my limits... even though I feel pretty close to them.

I know this is my trial right now, but that people go through WAY harder things.

I know that trials bring blessings.

I know I can choose to have a good attitude. 

I know that when each month passes by and my hope turns into disappointment, I have a loving Savior who somehow knows exactly how I feel.

I know that when I feel as though I have been forgotten, someone shows me that I am remembered.

I know that I have an amazing and supportive husband, that thinks I'm beautiful, even if I have the hormones of a man.

I know I do not appreciate advise from random people on how to get pregnant.

I know that I am ready to be a mom.

I know that I am having fun trying ;)

I know I have wonderful friends who support me and let me hold their babies to get my "fill".

I know that Heavenly Father will eventually answer my prayers.

I know that I can do hard things.

UPDATE**4-10-14
After 7 months of taking Clomid, My doctor recommended that I go off of it, to give my body a  break. He explained that while it was good that the Clomid caused Ovulation, the eggs that were coming out have a hard-cystic shell around them, that makes it impossible for Sperm to get through to=no chance of pregnancy anyways.
My next step is going on the Med. Metformin/Glucophage, which will help my insulin levels and side effects, without inhibiting fertility. All other drugs used to help the side effects inhibit fertility (Grrrrr). Once again pushing my limits!
I'm looking for a good Infertility Gynecologist, and have started saving up for In Vitro Fertilization - which they are saying is probably going to be my best chance of getting pregnant. Feeling hopeful.
$15,000 anyone????