Clomid and PCOS

[Charlotte321]

Hi, I've just been given a clomid prescription for my next cycle - I've got PCOS. Keep wondering if I am or could ovulate naturally though. Am going to try temping and CB ovulation sticks this cycle but my cycles are long so difficult to track! Just wondered if anyone has any PCOS/clomid advice! Thanks, Cx

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

You should be monitored whilst on clomid anyway as its quite powerful stuff, not being monitored is a no-no as you will have no idea whether its doing what its supposed to be doing. Clomid's main job is to make the ovaries work harder.

Would suggest you refrain from both using either temp charting or OPKs (particularly that method) as clomid can and does affect hormone levels markedly. OPKs in particular are problematic to use with regards to PCOS. These kits measure LH and many PCOSers have an excess of this hormone level to start with. Also clomid can increase LH production so the kit may also read that and thus give you a false reading.

[Charlotte321]

Thanks attila I did use cheap Internet OPKs randomly for months but always negative whereas I thought the prob with PCOS was that they show false positives. I think I'll try temping again (didn't get a peak when I first did it months ago) and the ovulation stick for this cycle before clomid just to check if I do get any natural ovulation signs. You don't think they are good ways to check ovulation on clomid then?

Have been told by the specialist that I need to day the clomid between day 2 and 6 and then have a day 8/9/10 scan for them to try and see what my follicles are looking like and if they look like I might ovulate. That's all I've been told for now. Are there any other tests you think I should insist on whilst on it?

[Charlotte321]

Sorry about typos by the way, on iPhone!

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Temp charting and OPKs are definately not good ways to check ovulation whilst on clomid. OPKs are particularly problematic if clomid is used (OPKs can be problematic for PCOSers anyway even if not on clomid).

You'd be better off going by the ultrasound scans as these would be far more accurate. They ought to consider doing blood tests as well as clomid can increase LH levels markedly, not always a good thing when PCOS is an issue.

[BridgetBidet]

They should do a blood test around day 21 to check if you have ovulated or not. I had (like you) negative OPKs and no peak on my baseline temp and it did transpire eventually I was not ovulating at all. So it is worth trying the clomid, incidentally clomid is used for people who do ovulate but have unexplained infertility too so even if you suspect you are ovulating still worth taking.