Mixing BCP w/ Herbal Supplements like Vitex, Cinnamon & Saw Palmetto?

[emmilynn]

I'm no longer TTC at this time but I went back on BCP recently primarily for PCOS treatment. I don't feel comfortable being on them for too long since I've spent most of my adult life on BCP :rolleyes: so I'm considering taking the following supplements to help with the PCOS:

-Saw Palmetto
-Cinnamon
-Vitex
-d-Pinitol
-NAC

My question is; does anyone know if taking these supplements along with BCP would be harmful/counterproductive? I mean, obviously the BCP is regulating hormones already so I don't want to mess anything up by taking additional supplements. I was thinking that I could start taking the supplements I listed now so they will have time to go into effect by the time I stop BCP in a month or two. Any advice, tips or insight is appreciated! :)

[Emmie5]

Hello...

I tried to get pregnant for few years.

After taking herbs (Vitex, Saw Palmetto and even some "herbal fertility cocktails" I found online) I started ovulating. I was successful in getting pregnant my third cycle and had a healthy baby girl. However, I was careful not to take any herbal supplements after the ovulation.

Nevertheless, I would never do this again. The herbal therapy worked for me...but I wish I had done it under close supervision and with much more guidance from professionals who know what they are doing.

I hope this helps! I wish you all the best in the future:)

[emmilynn]

Thank you Emmie5. It's nice to hear success stories from other women who have tried the same thing. I know I should probably seek advice from a doctor before I start popping pills. I just got to looking this stuff up online one night and found a great PCOS website with all the various herbal treatments and then I got to thinking about trying all of it.

I just think it would be nice to go the herbal route for once since I've tried fertility meds before. I guess I'm sort of on this "mission" to get my body to ovulate and have somewhat "normal/regular" cycles without being forced to do so by prescribed fertility drugs or rely on BCP the rest of my life.

I mean, don't all of us PCOS gals just want a "normal" cycle? :(

[Shannonk]

Hey! I just wanted to say that you sound like me! I just went off bcp after being on it for a looooong time. One would be ok for a while, and then I'd stop getting periods. I'd gain weight and was on a horrible emotional roller coaster from changing bcps all the time! So finally, I just went off! I haven't had a cycle since, but I'm starting the herbal therapy this week! I'm really excited to see if I can get things back into balance! SO hopeful!!! I know you said that you'll be on bcp for a little while yet and I'm off already, but like you, my goal is to ovulate without hormone therapy or bcps. Unfortunately, I don't have any helpful insight for your question (lol..sorry), but I just get excited when I come across other pcos-ers who aren't comfortable being on bcp for the rest of their lives. Not many people can understand that. I just want my body to work as close to normally as possible. Here's to hoping for us!!! Good luck!

[emmilynn]

Hey Shannon! Glad to see we're in the same boat, lol. A quick overview of my history; I went on BCP at age 19 (cycles were very irregular as a teen), stayed on BCP (with the exception of a few months) until age 30 when my then hubby and I started TTC. My siggy pretty much sums up the rest. I went totally off BCP in June 09 and only had one cycle that October. Went to my gyn in Dec and she gave me Provera to jumpstart AF. You can see how 2010 went after that. :mad:

Hubby and I split last Sep so I'm no longer TTC. My gyn suggested going back on BCP (even though I didn't want to do it :( ) because "it's the best treatment for PCOS". I'm only on my first month of it after I stared at 3 packs sitting in my medicine cabinet. My acne has started to clear up, weight hasn't changed but I've been spotting pretty much since AF left :(

I'm ready to finish this pack and go back to natural cycles and start charting again. I found a handy website that's got herbal supps and remedies and lots of helpful information. I'm starting out with Vitex, Cinnamon, Saw Palmetto and may do d-Pinitol and NAC as well. I ended up having a ovulatory cycle using vitex a couple of months ago so I'm anxious to start using that again and see what happens. Here's the website if you want to check it out:

http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/supplements-store.html#pinitol

Good luck and keep me posted on your progress! :)

[emmilynn]

Thanks, Shannon! Nice to see you're in the same boat with me and you'll have to keep me posted on your progress. Good luck! :)

[cmschapp]

I'm no longer TTC at this time but I went back on BCP recently primarily for PCOS treatment. I don't feel comfortable being on them for too long since I've spent most of my adult life on BCP :rolleyes: so I'm considering taking the following supplements to help with the PCOS:

-Saw Palmetto
-Cinnamon
-Vitex
-d-Pinitol
-NAC

My question is; does anyone know if taking these supplements along with BCP would be harmful/counterproductive? I mean, obviously the BCP is regulating hormones already so I don't want to mess anything up by taking additional supplements. I was thinking that I could start taking the supplements I listed now so they will have time to go into effect by the time I stop BCP in a month or two. Any advice, tips or insight is appreciated! :)

I was on bcp for about 2 years. I came off them in January to try to get pregnant. I wasn't having periods on my own so the doctor gave me provera and prometrium. But I thought there has to be something wrong for me not to ovulate or have a period on my own. Since I have started taking my supplements I am on my third cycle. Granted its not the shortest cycle in the world but its something and its on my own.

I take a Flintsones MultiVitamin, 8 Green Magma pills, 6000IUs of vitamin D3, 1500mg of Inositol, 160mg of Saw Palmetto, 10mg Astaxanthin, Calcium Magnesium 500/250mg respectively, 2g of Omega 3 6 9, NPC, Liquid B Complex, 225mg Vitex. I think that is everything I try to split it up take half in the morning 20 mins before breakfast and half 20 mins before lunch.

I would recommend taking Inositol over d Pinitol because the body has to convert it from d Pinitol to Inositol and from Inositol to d-Chiro-Inositol(DCI). I haven't personally tried DCI but would take that over inositol because it is in the appropriate state. I just have a hard time spending $60 a month on one supplement so I tried inositol instead of DCI. HTH

[emmilynn]

I was on bcp for about 2 years. I came off them in January to try to get pregnant. I wasn't having periods on my own so the doctor gave me provera and prometrium. But I thought there has to be something wrong for me not to ovulate or have a period on my own. Since I have started taking my supplements I am on my third cycle. Granted its not the shortest cycle in the world but its something and its on my own.

I take a Flintsones MultiVitamin, 8 Green Magma pills, 6000IUs of vitamin D3, 1500mg of Inositol, 160mg of Saw Palmetto, 10mg Astaxanthin, Calcium Magnesium 500/250mg respectively, 2g of Omega 3 6 9, NPC, Liquid B Complex, 225mg Vitex. I think that is everything I try to split it up take half in the morning 20 mins before breakfast and half 20 mins before lunch.

I would recommend taking Inositol over d Pinitol because the body has to convert it from d Pinitol to Inositol and from Inositol to d-Chiro-Inositol(DCI). I haven't personally tried DCI but would take that over inositol because it is in the appropriate state. I just have a hard time spending $60 a month on one supplement so I tried inositol instead of DCI. HTH

I know exactly what you mean about Provera & Prometrium! I've taken both to get periods and while I can easily just go ask for an Rx for them, I want to see if I can try natural remedies to see if my cycles will improve.

I've already started on Cinnamon, Vitex, NAC, & Saw Palmetto as of a few days ago. I researched d-Pinitol and it is very expensive so I will skip that. I am interested in Inositol and have read about that on various PCOS websites. I saw it yesterday when I was at GNC and I'm thinking today I may go back and get it. I think I saw the pill form and a granule form so I'll look into both options.

thank you so much for the information! I actually think your chart gives a lot of women hope! I charted for about a year when I was on fertility meds and I believe I just had one ovulatory cycle on my own and that was recently (Ovulation on CD 38). I will link my chart back into my signature and I'm actually excited to go off the BCP and chart my cycles again to see what my body does on its own. Good luck to you! :)

[cmschapp]

I know exactly what you mean about Provera & Prometrium! I've taken both to get periods and while I can easily just go ask for an Rx for them, I want to see if I can try natural remedies to see if my cycles will improve.

I've already started on Cinnamon, Vitex, NAC, & Saw Palmetto as of a few days ago. I researched d-Pinitol and it is very expensive so I will skip that. I am interested in Inositol and have read about that on various PCOS websites. I saw it yesterday when I was at GNC and I'm thinking today I may go back and get it. I think I saw the pill form and a granule form so I'll look into both options.

thank you so much for the information! I actually think your chart gives a lot of women hope! I charted for about a year when I was on fertility meds and I believe I just had one ovulatory cycle on my own and that was recently (Ovulation on CD 38). I will link my chart back into my signature and I'm actually excited to go off the BCP and chart my cycles again to see what my body does on its own. Good luck to you! :)


This month's chart is kind of messed up. I stopped taking the inositol when I ran out and as you can see from my chart my temps were all over the place. I was probably taking it 2 weeks before I got my cross hairs. So I am pretty sure the inositol is helping me. At the very least I am in a better mood and not as depressed. I am going to do a temperature thyroid test to see if I need something to help with that. I am going to also request some bloodwork when I see my doc on the 18th.

I will see if I can pull up some of the studies that I have found on Inositol and PCOS and post them here for you...

[cmschapp]

Myo-inositol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a novel method for ovulation induction.
Mario Roxas. Alternative Medicine Review. Dec 2007 v12 i4 p381(1).




Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2007 Thorne Research Inc.






Myo-inositol in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a novel method for ovulation induction. Papaleo E, Unfer V, Baillargeon JP, et al. Gynecol Endocrinol 2007 Oct 10:1-4 [Epub ahead of print]

Background. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often characterized by chronic oligo- or anovulation (usually manifested as oligo- or amenorrhea), and hyperandrogenism. In addition, 30-40% of PCOS women have impaired glucose tolerance, and a defect in the insulin signaling pathway (inositol-containing phosphoglycan mediators) seems to be implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. PCOS patients are subfertile as a consequence of such ovulatory disorders and often need drugs, such as clomiphene citrate or follicle-stimulating hormone, for ovulation induction, which increases the risk of multiple pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. We hypothesized that the administration of an isoform of inositol (myo-inositol), belonging to the vitamin B complex, would improve the insulin-receptor activity, restoring normal ovulatory function. Materials and methods. Twenty-five PCOS women of childbearing age with oligo- or amenorrhea were enrolled in the study. Ovulatory disorder due to PCOS was apparently the only cause of infertility; no tubal defect or deficiency of male semen parameters was found. Myoinositol combined with folic acid (Inofolic(R)) 2 g twice a day was administered continuously. During an observation period of 6 months, ovulatory activity was monitored with ultrasound scan and hormonal profile, and the numbers of spontaneous menstrual cycles and eventually pregnancies were assessed. Results. Twenty-two out of the 25 (88%) patients restored at least one spontaneous menstrual cycle during treatment, of whom 18 (72%) maintained normal ovulatory activity during the follow-up period. A total of 10 singleton pregnancies (40% of patients) were obtained. Nine clinical pregnancies were assessed with fetal heart beat at ultrasound scan. Two pregnancies evolved in spontaneous abortion. Conclusion. Myo-inositol is a simple and safe treatment that is capable of restoring spontaneous ovarian activity and consequently fertility in most patients with PCOS. This therapy did not cause multiple pregnancy.

by Mario Roxas, ND



Record Number: A172908600

[cmschapp]

Effects of inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial.
S. Gerli, M. Mignosa, G.C. Di Renzo. Alternative Medicine Review. Sept 2004 v9 i3 p336(1).




Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2004 Thorne Research Inc.






Gerli S, Mignosa M, Di Renzo GC. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2003;7:151-159.

BACKGROUND: Women with oligomenorrhea and polycystic ovaries show a high incidence of ovulation failure perhaps linked to insulin resistance and related metabolic features. A small number of reports show that inositol improves ovarian function. Futhermore, in these trials the quality of evidence supporting ovulation is suboptimal, and few studies have been placebo-controlled. The aim of this study was to use a double-blind, placebo-controlled approach with detailed assessment of ovarian activity (two blood samples per week) to assess the validity of this therapeutic approach in this group of women. METHODS: Of the 283 patients randomized, 2 withdrew before treatment commenced, 147 received placebo, and 136 received inositol (100 mg, twice a day). The women who discontinued the study prematurely were more numerous in the treatment group (n = 45) than the placebo group (n = 15; P < 0.05). RESULTS: The ovulation frequency estimated by the ratio of luteal phase weeks to observation weeks was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the treated group (23%) compared with the placebo (13%). The time in which the first ovulation occurred was significantly (P < 0.05) shorter [23.6 d, 95% confidence interval (CI), 17, 30: compared with 41.8 d; 95% CI, 28, 56]. The number of patients failing to ovulate during the placebo-treatment period was higher (P < 0.05) in the placebo group, and in most cases ovulations were characterized by normal progesterone concentrations in both groups. The effect of inositol on follicular maturation was rapid, because the circulating concentration of E2 increased only in the inositol group during the first week of treatment. Significant (P < 0.01) weight loss (and leptin reduction) was recorded in the inositol group, whereas in the placebo group was recorded an increase of the weight (P < 0.05). A significant increase in circulating high-density lipoprotein was observed only in the inositol-treated group. Metabolic risk factor benefits of inositol treatment were not observed in the morbidly obese subgroup of patients (body mass index > 37). No change in fasting glucose concentrations, fasting insulin, or insulin responses to glucose challenge test was recorded after 14-wk of inositol and placebo therapy. There was an inverse relationship between body mass of the patients and the efficacy of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These data support a beneficial effect of inositol in improving ovarian function in women with oligomenorrhea and polycystic ovaries.



Record Number: A122865336

[cmschapp]

Nutritional factors in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Alan R. Gaby. Townsend Letter: The Examiner of Alternative Medicine. Oct 2007 i291 p128(2).

Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2007 The Townsend Letter Group

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder of unknown etiology that affects an estimated three percent to 12% of women. It is characterized by various combinations of symptoms including infertility, anovulation, amenorrhea or menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne, male pattern baldness, obesity, sleep apnea, and enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts. Biochemical and endocrine abnormalities in women with PCOS include elevated levels of androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and androstenedione), hyperinsulinemia (which results from insulin resistance), impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidemia, and a tendency to thrombosis.

Hyperandrogenism is responsible for many of the symptoms of PCOS, including reproductive and menstrual abnormalities, hirsutism, and acne. Elevated androgen levels, in turn, appear to be due in part to hyperinsulinemia, which triggers an increase in androgen production. Thus, interventions that improve insulin resistance (and, consequently, hyperinsulinemia) may reverse some of the manifestations of PCOS.

Conventional treatment of PCOS includes diet and exercise to promote weight loss. (1) In women who are obese, weight loss may improve insulin resistance, decrease androgen levels and hirsutism, and restore ovulation. Metformin is also used to improve insulin resistance, and treatment with this drug frequently leads to a return of ovulation. Other therapies include clomiphene citrate (to induce ovulation), spironolactone (an anti-androgen), and oral contraceptives (to treat menstrual irregularities and hirsutism).

Dietary Factors

Dietary modifications that may improve insulin resistance include restricting refined carbohydrates and total calories; consuming high-fiber foods; and eating small, frequent meals. Some patients with insulin resistance fare better on a diet high in complex carbohydrates (approximately 70% of total calories), whereas others respond better to a low-carbohydrate diet ([less than or equal to] 40% of total calories).

D-chiro-inositol and Pinitol

D-chiro-inositol, a stereoisomer of myo-inositol (commonly known as inositol), is found in small concentrations in the human body and in some foods, particularly buckwheat. It is a component of an endogenous phosphoglycan that has been reported to mediate the action of insulin. There is evidence that the insulin resistance seen in women with PCOS is due in part to a deficiency of this D-chiro-inositol-containing phosphoglycan or to a defect in its tissue availability or utilization. (2,3) If these abnormalities can be reversed by supplementation with D-chiro-inositol, then this compound could be beneficial for women with PCOS.

To test that possibility, 44 obese women with PCOS were randomly assigned to receive, in double-blind fashion, D-chiro-inositol (1,200 mg once a day) or placebo for eight weeks. Supplementation with D-chiro-inositol resulted in an improvement in insulin resistance (p = 0.07, compared with the change in the placebo group) and a 55% reduction in the mean serum free testosterone concentration (p = 0.006, compared with the change in the placebo group). Significantly more women ovulated in the D-chiro-inositol group than in the placebo group (86% vs. 27%; p < 0.001). Thus, D-chiro-inositol supplementation decreased serum testosterone levels and improved ovulatory function, presumably by enhancing the action of insulin. (3)

At present, D-chiro-inositol is not commercially available. However, pinitol (3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol), a compound with a chemical structure and biochemical actions similar to those of D-chiro-inositol, is available as a supplement. Pinitol occurs naturally in several different foods, including legumes and citrus fruits. Like D-chiro-inositol, pinitol appears to mediate the action of insulin. (4) Moreover, pinitol is probably converted to D-chiro-inositol in vivo, as demonstrated by a 14-fold increase in the mean serum concentration of D-chiro-inositol after administration of pinitol to diabetic patients at a dose of 20 mg per kg of body weight per day for four weeks. (4)

In a double-blind study of patients with type 2 diabetes, administration of 600 mg of pinitol twice a day for three months reduced the mean fasting blood glucose concentration by 19.3% (p < 0.001), decreased the mean hemoglobin A1c concentration by 12.4% (p < 0.001), and significantly improved a measure of insulin resistance (the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance). In contrast, the changes in the placebo group were small and not statistically significant. (5) In a shorter-term, double-blind study, administration of pinitol at a dose of 20 mg per kg of body weight per day for four weeks decreased the mean fasting plasma glucose concentration by 5.3%, but this decrease was only of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.1) compared with the change in the placebo group. (6)

Pinitol has not been studied as a treatment for PCOS. However, because an estimated 33% of orally administered pinitol is converted in vivo to D-chiro-inositol, (6) and because it appears to have biochemical effects similar to those of D-chiro-inositol, pinitol might be beneficial for women with PCOS.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a role in normal glucose metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, and vitamin D supplementation has been reported to improve glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in these patients. (7,8)

Vitamin D deficiency also appears to occur frequently in women with PCOS and may be a contributing factor to some of the biochemical abnormalities seen in this condition. In a study of 13 women with PCOS, five were found to have frank vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxvitamin D concentration < 9 ng/ml), and three others had borderline-low vitamin D status. All 13 women were treated with vitamin D2 at a dose of 50,000 IU once or twice a week, to maintain a serum 25-hydroxvitamin D concentration of 30-40 ng/ml. Each woman also received 1,500 mg of supplemental calcium per day. Of the nine women with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea prior to vitamin D treatment, seven experienced normalization of their menstrual cycles within two months, and the other two became pregnant. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding also resolved within two months in both women in whom it had been present. (9)

Vitamin D3 (the form of the vitamin produced in the human body after sunlight exposure) is at least 3.4 times as potent as vitamin D2, and may be as much as 9.4 times as potent. (10) Therefore, when supplementing with vitamin D3, lower doses than those administered in the study described above should be used. A reasonable dosage range for vitamin D3 supplementation is 800 to 1,200 IU per day. According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council, long-term vitamin D intake up to 2,000 IU per day is unlikely to have any adverse effects in the general population.

Chromium

Chromium is an essential trace mineral that potentiates the action of insulin, probably by facilitating the binding of insulin to its receptor, by enhancing insulin-dependent functions, or both. (11 12) Chromium supplementation has been reported in most, but not all, studies to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and diabetes induced by glucocorticoid therapy. (13)

In three women with PCOS, supplementation with 1,000 mcg of chromium per day for two months improved insulin sensitivity (measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp) by a mean of 30%. One woman with amenorrhea resumed menstruation during chromium supplementation. (14) In a follow-up study, 1,000 mcg of chromium per day for two months improved insulin sensitivity by a mean of 38% in five obese women with PCOS. (15) A lower dose of chromium (200 mcg per day for four months) significantly decreased one- and two-hour plasma glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test, but had no significant effect on insulin resistance, compared with placebo. (16)

Alan R. Gaby, MD

Financial disclosure: The author has been involved in the development of a nutritional supplement for the maintenance and support of ovarian health.


Record Number: A169493474

[emmilynn]

This month's chart is kind of messed up. I stopped taking the inositol when I ran out and as you can see from my chart my temps were all over the place. I was probably taking it 2 weeks before I got my cross hairs. So I am pretty sure the inositol is helping me. At the very least I am in a better mood and not as depressed. I am going to do a temperature thyroid test to see if I need something to help with that. I am going to also request some bloodwork when I see my doc on the 18th.

I will see if I can pull up some of the studies that I have found on Inositol and PCOS and post them here for you...


Wow! Thank you so much for the info you posted on Inositol! I'm heading to GNC in a few to pick some up since you seem to have great luck with it! I also read about it helping with depression. I found a website which really got me started with all this natural herbal supplement stuff. It's here (http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/supplements-store.html)
Hope this helps you!
I also linked my chart back into my signature even though I'm still on BCP but will start charting when next cycle starts :)

[emmilynn]

Wow! Thank you so much for the info you posted on Inositol! I'm heading to GNC in a few to pick some up since you seem to have great luck with it! I also read about it helping with depression. I found a website which really got me started with all this natural herbal supplement stuff. I also linked my chart back into my signature even though I'm still on BCP but will start charting when next cycle starts :)

I tried posting a link to the website I use on herbal supps for PCOS but it didn't allow it :(

Thank you again for the info, I'm so greatful! Good luck in your 2WW! :)

[cmschapp]

No problem. I didn't have any luck with Clomid or the side effects. So I decided to try to do things naturally as well. So far DH has been really supportive.

[emmilynn]

A lot of what I've read seems to indicate PCOS women generally don't respond to CLomid as well as a non-PCOSer. After I did 3 cycles on Clomid with only a late ovulation on 150mg, my gyn switched me to Femara which has a better response rate for PCOSers. Sure enough, on the lowest dose (2.5mg) I ovulated on CD 20 but resulted in BFN.

If or when I go back to TTC, I'm keeping Femara as an open option. That's only in the event that I can't ovulate on my own which I'm hoping I will! I'm pretty excited to get all these supplements going and see how my body responds.

Just out of curiosity, how long have you been on all of your supps/herbs? I know it can take months to really start seeing results so I'm just curious. In the meantime, I'm focusing on weight loss and diet/exercise. My RE said that even 5 or 10 pounds can change your cycles drastically. That's wonderful that your DH is so supportive :)

[cmschapp]

I started the Green magma, vitamin D3 and Inositol in July. Then I ran out of inositol and stopped taking it I would say for maybe a month before I got a new bottle. I am so mad at myself for changing what I was taking. I knew immediately that was the only thing I stopped and it was making the difference.

I definitely won't do clomid again but would be willing to try the next step if we aren't successful naturally. I also have an acupuncture appointment scheduled the 18th so I am excited to go that route as well.

[emmilynn]

Seems like you've had good results in a relatively short period of time! I know it's important to be consistent and before I was always either on prescribed fertility drugs or BCP so I couldn't mix things like Vitex and Clomid. So, I've done supplements off and on in the past but I'm ready to go full force now and be consistent.

It's pretty amazing how just going off the Inositol for a month or so really made a difference. Glad you were able to get back on it. Oh, and I've heard great things about acupuncture as it relates to fertility! I wish I knew more about it but from what I hear it can help to regulate your body and put you in a more relaxed state of mind which is good since PCOS often makes us have a tad more anxiety than the avg person.

Sometimes if I get bored, I look up charts on FF (dorky, i know!) but you can search for charts with key words like "PCOS" or "accupunture" or "no meds" and get an idea of what an accupunture/PCOS chart would look like. Sometimes it's interesting. And it sort of renews my hope in some strange way :)

[cmschapp]

I know what you mean. I have looked at FF charts too! Any little glimmer of hope I can find. I don't think I have done so much reading in my entire life. All I do is reserach on PCOS hoping I can make some kind of connection to help myself...

[emmilynn]

I know what you mean. I have looked at FF charts too! Any little glimmer of hope I can find. I don't think I have done so much reading in my entire life. All I do is reserach on PCOS hoping I can make some kind of connection to help myself...

I know what you mean. When I was first diagnosed last year, I read up on it and got discouraged so I stopped. Now, I'm back to reading everything because I'm so sick of dealing the the symptoms of it and playing the BCP game. I just want to find ways to outsmart PCOS and get some relief...and maybe even feel "normal" with normal cycles and all :(

[cmschapp]

Keep me posted on your progress. I was working out very consistently for a while then stopped. I am now back into it hopefully. I feel so much better when I exercise in the morning before work. I hope exercise with the supplements will help me get my BFP.

[emmilynn]

Keep me posted on your progress. I was working out very consistently for a while then stopped. I am now back into it hopefully. I feel so much better when I exercise in the morning before work. I hope exercise with the supplements will help me get my BFP.

This is my thinking as well. I'd like to lose another 10-15 which would put me at a "normal" weight and along w/ supplements, might just get me some normal, ovulatory cycles. I was about 17 lbs heavier at the beginning of 2010 and that's when I was having problems with my cycles (well, really the problems have always existed) but point is, I think the weight loss and exercise did something for me. My RE said even just 10 lbs can make a huge difference and cutting out carbs & sugars is a big one too. We'll see... :)

[cmschapp]

I probably weighed about 120-125 when I got married two years ago. I have gained almost 25 pounds. I still didn't have regular cycles then either but at least I felt better about myself. My goal is to lose around 20 lbs or at least get back into some of my smaller jeans...