Talk to me about PCOS...I think I just m/ced b/c of it

[UCmom]

I was expecting my 8th child, and am miscarrying today. I only just missed my period on Wed, but I took about 4 pg tests 8 days ago. Last night I had some spotting after "fooling around," and more this morning, so I took another test, and it was negative.

This is my third m/c. I had one before my first child which went to 12 weeks. Had another one just like this one before my fourth child. And now this one. Difference is, my OB found cysts on my ovaries last Nov.

He didn't call it PCOS. He said it could be just a blip, so he put me on 2 months of birth control to see if that would 'reset' my system. My bloodwork, hormones, cholesterol, thyroid, all came back fine, but he oddly forgot to check my androgens. Well, I haven't been back for a follow-up to see if the cysts were gone, as he's out of practice now. I also have been experiencing hair loss, a brownish spotting a few days before and after my period (which I thought just made it seem like all period, but that piece of info was what made him do a sono on me in Nov and found the cysts). I'm about 30lb overweight, and I usually lose that weight after I have a baby, but I've had the last two in pretty quick succession, and haven't had the time for the gym/treadmill. I also learned to knit and spin two+ years ago, and I think that has contributed to a more sedentary life.

So I am looking for a new doctor. But I texted my old OB this morning (he's a good friend), and he mentioned checking my progesterone right away next time I conceive, possible metformin during the pg, and possibly needing a D&C now, if there is lining that hasn't been shedding (hence the spotting I'd been having pre-period for the last several months).

I wanted to hear from you guys though. I don't chat here much at all anymore. Some of you know me more on Ravelry now, that's where I always am, since I don't CD anymore. But I check Spots' Corner everyday, and check the stockings. Just don't chat really. But I'd love to hear anything any of you can tell me about this. PCOS. Metformin. Your experience.

I wasn't trying to get pg, but I'm heartbroken today. We were desirous of more children. And now, I'm conflicted. On one hand, because my heart aches so much, I want to do whatever and be trying to get pg again. On the other hand, I feel like maybe I should put that off for 6 months or so, and try to lose this weight and take whatever drugs the doc may prescribe and get myself healthier. I can't even tell you what the hair loss has done to me. It's so depressing.

Just....talk to me. Please.
_________________
Sara
wife to Jake, homeschooling mom to Asher, 14; Olivia, 12 1/2; Elias, 10; Benjamin, 8; Naomi, 6 1/2; Dresden, 4 1/2; Giada, 3 1/2, and baby girl Josephine, born 11/30/11 at home, 10.5 lbs, in water....5th HB, 3rd UC!

[CarrieMcD]

I don't talk about it much - but I HAVE to be put on progesterone IMMEDIATELY after a positive test or I WILL miscarry. I got cocky one time thinking my body had 'fixed' itself. I went 12 weeks and lost her. I don't discuss it much. I'm not good with loss. But if you need to talk, please pm me. I've been there many many many times. It doesn't matter how far along you were either. It hurts.

[mama2LilynDevon]

I'm sorry. Whether it was a planned pregnancy or not, loosing a baby is never easy. I'd see if your old OB has someone he would recommend and go ahead and go in.
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Amanda, wife of 1, mom of 5

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[Spotz]

First PCOS BLOWS.. I am very sorry you are dealing with this, I have had 3 losses, 1 was a twin to my 2 year old. It is never easy, 1 I found out about after it happened. (I tested because I was bleeding VERY heavy and in lots of pain and it was positive) My thoughts are with your family.

I have had cysts for at least 7 years now, I was dxed about 7 years ago. I have been on bed rest for ruptured cysts before, facial hair, extremely emotional during my cycle, right now my AF is mostly clear... I don't know if it is a PCOS thing or not.. but its almost like lochia, just without the scent.

I took Metformin to TTC my son, it helped me be more regular, I also took it during Caitilyns pregnancy (the one I lost the twin on)

I do not know if it helped keep Caity or not, but in the end I do have a very healthy 2 year old.

Metformin was NOT nice to my tummy though. I do not really know what else to say about PCOS, but I am here if you need to talk, I will be open about everything I have gone through in the past few years with it all, and successfully conceiving 4 earth babies and 3 angel babies. Its not fun, its not easy, but you can do it. HUGS!

Anyway... Yes, having PCOS will make you more likely to MC.
_________________
Cristi - Wife to Jeremy Mom to G - A - C - M
WAHM at:
http://hyenacart.com/CreativelyEwe/
http://hyenacart.com/bittyfluff/

[UCmom]

Thanks Carrie. It does hurt, no matter how far along. I've been crying off and on all day. My best friend called to pray with me, and I just broke down. And I took another test, you know, to see if it was just a fluke. Negative.

I am not bleeding right now. I'm just passing some bloody mucus when I use the bathroom.

I have never needed to be on progesterone to get or stay pregnant. But I know that with PCOS your body is or does not produce it in right amounts. But my doc checked those hormones before and they were fine. So I just don't know.

Thank you.
_________________
Sara
wife to Jake, homeschooling mom to Asher, 14; Olivia, 12 1/2; Elias, 10; Benjamin, 8; Naomi, 6 1/2; Dresden, 4 1/2; Giada, 3 1/2, and baby girl Josephine, born 11/30/11 at home, 10.5 lbs, in water....5th HB, 3rd UC!

[couchhound]

I am so sorry that your heart is hurting. Unfortunately there are many (medical) reasons for early pregnancy loss. Visiting w/ a health care provider could shed some light on this for you. Mama being healthy (physically and emotionally) is important for future pregnancies. It might be time to talk with a provider about what you can do and that may more than just lab but also weight loss and planned exercise. Though spinning is really good for the thigh muscles, I have read here. Many hugs and I hope you find some peace and comfort in this hard situation.
_________________
Ellen
wife to Computer Man, 6-95
mom to Bear 6-02 & Skunk 6-09
Grandmama to a new hounder, Molly
Much Love Amy Dog 4-28-00 to 5-31-09

[UCmom]

Thank you Amanda and Christi.

I appreciate you sharing what you've gone through, Christi.

That's part of what's so infuriating and perplexing to me is that, I'm 35, I've had 7 kids with no problems at all. I get pg very easily. Never have any issues. No health issues at all. Now this. Just like that, ya know? I'm saying, "Why?" I am SO grateful for the children I have, of course. Regardless of whether I even wanted more children or not, PCOS sucks, and I don't want it.
_________________
Sara
wife to Jake, homeschooling mom to Asher, 14; Olivia, 12 1/2; Elias, 10; Benjamin, 8; Naomi, 6 1/2; Dresden, 4 1/2; Giada, 3 1/2, and baby girl Josephine, born 11/30/11 at home, 10.5 lbs, in water....5th HB, 3rd UC!

[Spotz]

I did not have any issues before my 1st DD, then after my DS I had none as well, I seem to be very regular now as well, 25 day cycles and the whole 9 yards, other than a clear AF which I can not figure out.. its been 3 months now, I seem to be very regular, my OB said that your body changes so much from baby to baby, that you may develop PCOS at any time, and it may go away after any baby as well.
_________________
Cristi - Wife to Jeremy Mom to G - A - C - M
WAHM at:
http://hyenacart.com/CreativelyEwe/
http://hyenacart.com/bittyfluff/

[UCmom]

Thanks Ellen. I do plan to see a doctor as soon as I can find a new one. That's another difficult thing to deal with. My OB is not practicing anymore, and he is a very close friend to my husband and me. He delivered my 2nd and 3rd babies. He has been sooo supportive of my choice to homebirth and UC. He even came to my house to circ my 4th son (which we don't do anymore either, but, it was a lot like a bris, on the 8th day, my coffee table, etc.). Even though he doesn't deliver my babies anymore, he sees me for all my labwork and sonos throughout the pregnancy, and he is there for me and on call should I need him (never have, other than say, a UTI, and he calls me in something). This isn't the sort of thing you want to lose continuity of care with. And I have.
_________________
Sara
wife to Jake, homeschooling mom to Asher, 14; Olivia, 12 1/2; Elias, 10; Benjamin, 8; Naomi, 6 1/2; Dresden, 4 1/2; Giada, 3 1/2, and baby girl Josephine, born 11/30/11 at home, 10.5 lbs, in water....5th HB, 3rd UC!

[Beneath the Rowan Tree]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have been dx'd with PCOS for 15 years and been through the mill with it.

A couple thoughts from what you say.
1) Cysts are very common in early pregnancy and cysts can exist without PCOS and PCOS without cysts. So cysts alone do not point to PCOS~ it is a syndrome and generally speaking they look for a number of symptoms to make a diagnosis.

2) Early pregnancy loss has many reasons, as the pp said, cysts alone would not lead me to think PCOS given that you have 8 living children and what is really an amazing rate of live births (yay! Yay!!!) vs. losses that I would think was WELL within norms for the # of pregnancies (gosh that sounds cold, I don't mean it that way). What I mean to say is that with your success with your fertility, I wouldn't see a direct reason to suspect PCOS~ yes, some women with PCOS have relatively little trouble conceiving, but again, it is a syndrome, so while fertility may not be an issue, they would likely evidence other significant symptoms.

3) Your other symptoms (spotting) could also be the results of age + pregnancies, changing hormones with age etc.

4) Metformin works to help increase cell sensitivity to insulin and is helpful for women with PCOS due to insulin resistance. Adding *at* pregnancy would be far less effective than being on it before pregnancy~ and the last I knew it was only indicated for the first trimester in women with evidence of insulin resistance, though I suspect it is given for longer terms now as the results do look good for women with PCOS.

5) Obesity is one of the symptoms of PCOS~ 30 lbs after 8 kids is amazing and not bad at all! Yes, there is also 'skinny PCOS' so weight doesn't decide it either.

Definitely check it out, but if things are coming back normal and your main concern is a a couple of cysts occuring early in a pregnancy, and an early term loss~ these things are part of the risks our hearts and bodies take and may simply be just that (and I hope for you it is true!) ~blessings and good health!

ETA~ an OB isn't going to be a whole lot of help with PCOS~ as it may involve cystic ovaries in some women and hormonal imbalances it is an endocrine disorder at its root~ if you are looking for someone onthis specifically, I'd consider an endo experienced with PCOS.
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Lori , WOHM to Rowan (08/05), partner to Andy, pack leader to Archie & Hooligan
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[UCmom]

Wow Lori, thank you. That was a very informative post.

You didn't mention the hair loss. My doc did say that the cysts alone aren't enough to call it PCOS. But with the hair loss and spotting, I think he thinks I have enough symptoms to go that way. And again, for some reason, he missed testing my androgen levels.

What else do you think would be seen to be more indicative of PCOS?
_________________
Sara
wife to Jake, homeschooling mom to Asher, 14; Olivia, 12 1/2; Elias, 10; Benjamin, 8; Naomi, 6 1/2; Dresden, 4 1/2; Giada, 3 1/2, and baby girl Josephine, born 11/30/11 at home, 10.5 lbs, in water....5th HB, 3rd UC!

[Beneath the Rowan Tree]

I would check the androgens re. the balding esp. if thyroid is normal.
Insulin resistance can also be tested.
Spotting could be low progesterone, so it worth checking your post-ovulatory levels.
Unfortunately PCOS is a diagnosis of exclusion~ when all else is ruled out, so I would follow those trails first
_________________
Lori , WOHM to Rowan (08/05), partner to Andy, pack leader to Archie & Hooligan
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[Spotz]

Amazing information Lori! Mind if I pick your mind for a moment via PMs?
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Cristi - Wife to Jeremy Mom to G - A - C - M
WAHM at:
http://hyenacart.com/CreativelyEwe/
http://hyenacart.com/bittyfluff/

[Beneath the Rowan Tree]

My mind is all yours, for what it is worth
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Lori , WOHM to Rowan (08/05), partner to Andy, pack leader to Archie & Hooligan
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[AmeliaandMacie'sBoutique]

I'm sorry Sara, this road of having babies is tough for a lot of us.
I have PCOS, I have lost 5 babies and was 16wks preg when I lost the last one, and I was so lucky to get pregnant will Ellie 3months later. I take metformin (glucaphage) and have for 5 years and have taken it all the way through my last two babies without issue. I'm done having babies now, which in a way I am relieved because I won't need to worry about hearbreak of that kind anymore, but sad that I won't have any more little babies.
I wish you the best of luck on this road, and just remeber there is a special little bean just waiting to be yours. Hugs
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Mollie
Loving mommy to Amelia 8 and Macie 6 and Ellianna 3.5