I have PCOS, what's next after clomid?

Question

I have PCOS, i already tried everything the doctor advised me to do. I tried Clomid. I tried to loss weight but still no luck to conceive. What must I do next?

Answer 1

Your best bet is going to be going on a low carb diet, exercise, and treating the PCOS with an insulin sensitizing drug such as metformin. Here's some good PCOS info and links.

I recommend seeing a reproductive endocrinologist. They are generally more knowledgeable about PCOS and the correct treatment. Unfortunately, many doctors are not aware of the proper treatment. They can also direct other fertility treatments (Clomid, injectables, IUI, IVF, etc)

The underlying cause of PCOS is insulin resistance (IR). The best treatment for PCOS is going on an insulin sensitizing drug such as metformin (1500-2550mg per day) combined with a low carb diet and exercise. There are a few important things to know:

1. Many women "pass" the test for IR, but still respond positively from the metformin. No one knows exactlly why..my thought is that the test is not a sure fire way of detecting the IR.

2. You must be on a high enough dose of metformin. I've heard women complain that their bodies dont start working even though they've been on metformin for awhile. Some doctors are hesitant to up the dose past 1500mg...but for some of us it takes more. I don't respond until my dose is around 2000mg a day.

3. It can take a few months on the correct dose, before your body is regulated.

4. It is important to treat your PCOS even if you are not trying to get pregnant. There are higher risks for many things (high blood pressure, blood clots, diabetes, and many other things) when you have PCOS, but if it is treated properly, then those risks are lowered.


When the PCOS is treated properly, all of your symptoms may not disappear, but they should improve some. It will also be a lot easier to lose weight (and keep it off). Our bodies work against us when we try to lose weight on our own, making it nearly impossible to lose weight.

There are TONS of books about PCOS and dieting. There are two that I recommend. Here's the links at amazon for those:
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/0809224275/...
http://www.amazon.com/o/asin/0007131844/...

I also recommend a couple web sites:
http://pcos.itgo.com/
http://www.inciid.org/faq.php?cat=infert...

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhp... This one is a great message board where you can ask all your PCOS questions or just chat with the women who are also dealing with PCOS. Good luck

Answer 2

If you are still seeing a regular OB, I recommend seeing an reproductive endocrinologist that specializes in Fertility treatments. There are other thing you can do after clomid. You can try IUI first and that doesn't work, you can try IVF. I have PCOS and I tried clomid that didn't work along with IUI. I finally got pregnant through IVF. If you have good insurance, a lot of these procedures should be covered. Most insurance company's will pay for 80% of IVF three times. Good luck and don't give up just yet

Answer 3

I am in the same boat. I did 150mg of clomid and it didnt work. So I gave up. Normally I can't have a period on my own without provera or BC I didnt get one. Till August I said screw it all. And in December I got a period on my own, however its been very screwy. It lasted 12 days, till then the doctor had to put me back on provera this time to STOP...well once I was done with that dose, I started again and another 12 days of period, I finally stopped but now I am having severe nasau and I actually puked (SORRY) today and my breasts have been very sore, so Im in a confused state right now. But anyway back to you, they will probably want to do invitro next. I know that was going to be my next step. However I do not have that kind of money right now. All you can do is be patient and know that if you are meant to be a mommy it will havppen for you. Best of luck to you. I know its hard, and you wonder why this is happening, but just believe that things will work out and that god has a plan. Without HOPE we have nothing!!!

Best of luck!!

Answer 4

The other posters are saying invitro but this is EXTREME! There are insulin resistance drugs that may help--metformin (glucophage). Clomid can be upped to 250mgs per day for 5 days. Femara is another drug that may work instead of clomid. Steroids in conjunction with the clomid is an option. Injectables would be after that.

Answer 5

I also have PCOS. Nothing worked for me. I tried Clomid along with artificial insemination 6 times. We even spent $50,000 on 4 attempts of In-Vitro. I got pregnant one time but miscarried at 4 weeks. My hormones are sooooo screwed up. My husband and I ended up adopting. It only cost $15,000 and I was guaranteed a baby and I wasn't messing up by body any more.

Answer 6

The worst area effect I actual have had on Clomid have been the nice and snug flashes. the 1st month I had a headache a variety of of the time i replace into taking it and alter right into slightly moody. 2d month hardly any area consequences. i'm on my third now and had a headache the 2d day and the nice and snug flashes have been fairly undesirable. as a techniques because of the fact the twins is going, it purely will boost your possibilities to 10%. i assume it may be bigger in case you have kin historic previous.