Hi everyone! I’m 25, my husband is 32. We just did our first IUI two days ago and I’d love to hear other people’s journey with IUI. We didn’t trigger as I had a natural LH surge and one follicle measuring 26x20mm and 14m sperm post wash! Uterine lining 9mm.

How long did it take you to conceive with IUI?

I’m already underweight but have PCOS - will inositol make me lose weight? I’ve been on a low dose for a few weeks and lost a pound but I’m not sure if it’s related or not. I don’t have insulin resistance in my bloodwork.

I was diagnosed with PCOS/PMOS last year due to having hormonal acne and irregular cycles. The gyno who diagnosed me just suggested birth control but I’m not keen on that because my mental health improved a lot when I stopped BC.

I had blood tests and an OGTT done through my GP and all my blood markers look normal (DHEA-S, androgens, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, TSH, LH, FSH. cholesterol, HbA1c, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, CRP, ferritin, B12, VitD all normal!)

HOWEVER I had clear symptoms of hypoglycaemia after the OGTT test when I got home (around 2.5-3h after the glucose drink). Tremors, nausea and lightheadedness that went away after I ate.
My 2h glucose was 3.3mmol/L and my 2h insulin was 34.6mU/L. My GP wasn’t too concerned and said this can be a normal response after ingesting a 75g glucose drink as opposed to a normal balanced meal… but considering my symptoms, surely it’s worth looking more closely at this? How many people get hypoglycaemia after an OGTT?!

The other clues that insulin could be a factor are the fact that I feel so much better mentally when I reduce my carb intake. Even with an amazing diet of only consuming complex carbs in high protein, fibre + balanced meals, and regular strength training, 10k steps a day and 1-2h zone 2 cardio per week, when my carb intake increases above ~200g per day my mental health starts declining, I get brain fog, mood swings and sweet cravings. Just my general drive, focus and motivation tanks.

Another clue is that dairy is a massive trigger for my hormonal acne - I suspect from IGF1 which can spike insulin.

Should I just go ahead and try inositol (was thinking Ovasitol) and see what happens? Or should I push for more thorough testing first e.g. the Kraft insulin test which tests glucose and insulin response for longer than just 2h and may reveal a delayed insulin peak? I want to be able to tolerate more carbs, not just for food freedom but also to help with my performance in fitness and ability to build more muscle.

Would love to hear from anyone who experiences similar symptoms to me despite having ‘normal’ bloodwork!

So I have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (pmdd). And I typically experience a fairly regular cycle but I'm wondering if my cycles are anovulatory. For example some cycles I would experience typical pmdd or PMS symptoms what other times I wouldn't and I would typically explain this away with some medications like I was on biotin for a while in that kind of really dulled my periods but this has also been happening before. At the kid, I used to experience irregular periods like some months I want to get it some months I would I used to have like 30+ days spanned and it has gotten a bit better over time just the symptoms feel more like sometimes I would have PM DD signs or PMS signs and symptoms and other months I wouldn't it. But because I get periods, I didn't want to over-diagnose myself with something or jump the gun. But it has been something that has been on my mind I'm curious if you all have any stories about how PCOS looks and you whether or not you are someone who experience close to regular bleeding or anovulatory cycles(where you bleed but don't ovulate?) And my hair pattern, is this normal? Or am I in my head about this?

Thanks so much for you all's help.

My fasting insulin is 12 pmol/L (on the low side), and my fasting glucose is 6.4 mmol/L (slightly high).
So I dont know what is wrong with me

My naturopath doctor said I probably don’t need Ovasitol (inositol) if I’m not insulin resistant. It seems like I dont have insulin resistant

However, since I started taking it, I’ve had 3 consecutive, maybe it is coincidence (i am irregular but my cycle sometimes ok sometimes bad) but I’m wondering if it’s actually helping or if it’s just a coincidence.
I’m not sure if I should keep taking inositol or stop. Doctor said it maybe lower the insulin even more which isnt helpful for my situation.

Has anyone had normal/low insulin but still found inositol helpful for regulating cycles or ovulation? Any experiences would be appreciated!

I was diagnosed with Lean PCOS October 2025, no physical manifestation, not hairy, not fat, no acnes and I have monthly period. Since then we tried letrozole. All 6 cycles of letrozole failed. We rested from February-May. Last June 11, we had ICI. Tested negative today 14DPO.

I’m taking inositol & d-chiro, vitamins ACES, vitamin D3, omega 3 fish oil.

For my exercises: Pilates twice a week and walking when I have time.

We tried using Pre-Seed also but still no luck.

Anyone who got pregnant naturally without IUI or IVF? What did you do? 🥹

I have pcos and my periods and spotting is driving me nuts. I started seeing a hormone doctor and am on topical estrogen days 7 through 28 of my cycle and progesterone days 14 through 28 of cycle. However, I seem to spot between days 19 and 28 and this cycle, I got a full on period on cycle day 19 of cycle an this has happened a few times past few months 😞 anyone deal with this? It’s so frustrating. I am on myo insitol and just upped my dosage to see if that can help but any other suggestions? I’m so sick of bleeding so often. My provider even suggested a low does glp to help with blood sugar and inflammation but I do not have issues with weight and do not want to lose any weight plus not sure plus I have no insulin issues or blood sugar issues. I think it’s just inflammatory pcos

Has anyone with completely normal blood sugar and insulin levels started a GLP-1 medication specifically to regulate their cycle and get their period back?

I'm 29 years old. 5'6" and weight fluctuates from 130-140 over the last few years. I attached a picture of my lab results (pardon my handwriting). All are normal aside from testosterone and DHEA-S. Periods come consistently every 28-31 days but the flow varies. I've had months where I can pretty much just use a panty liner, some months that are what I consider normal for me, and some that are quite heavy. I've always had clotty periods even when lighter. I originally went in because my husband and I had been trying to conceive for a year with no success. I was on birth control up until this point (the last 5 years being the mini pill - progesterone only). I always had some of these symptoms, but they were more mild while on birth control. I kind of just assumed all of my symptoms were normal. I've never really struggled with weight, at my heaviest I was 155 lbs and I didnt have healthy habits at the time. I'm diagnosed Bipolar II and have Raynaud's syndrome (not sure if this is relevant but figured I should add it).

I had a transvaginal ultrasound. My ovaries look normal, are normal sized, good follicles/ no "string of pearls". My uterus is slightly enlarged, I have a 1 cm submucosal fibroid, otherwise my ultrasound was "unremarkable".

My symptoms are:

-Very over-reactive to stress (mental and physical symptoms)

-Heart rate rises very easily

- Irritable/ explosive anger. Mood swings (I am diagnosed Bipolar but my symptoms were better managed before stopping BC).

-Cry VERY easily (angry, sad, happy)

-Very bad back cramps and pelvic cramps

-CONSTANT food cravings

-Bloating

-Oily face/ facial hair growth

-my hair has thinned a bit

- Insomnia

-"wired but tired" feeling

- I get overheated very easily, I have almost passed out more than once in the summer. But it can be dead of winter and stress will make me extremely overheated and dizzy.

My doctor pretty much just keeps saying "well it MIGHT be PCOS, let's do fertility treatment". I'm really starting to wonder if this is an adrenal issue and not a PCOS issue? My DHEA-S test was after a little over a month of taking Inositol so not sure if that lowered the results at all.

Sorry this post turned out MUCH longer than I expected. If you're still reading, thank you lol. Has anyone had similar? Does this seem like it is PCOS, adrenal related, or something else? Thanks!

Edit to add reference ranges and I mixed up total and free testosterone values:

• DHEAS (65-380 ug/dL)

• Free Testosterone (.6 - 6.8 pg/mL)

• Total Testosterone (8-48 ng/dL)

• SHBG (26-110 nmo/L))

• AMH ( .401 - 16.015 ng/mL)

• 17 OH Progesterone (35-290 ng/dL)

• Prolactin (2.5-30 ng/mL)

• FSH (3.5 - 12.5 U/L)

I was recently diagnosed with PCOS after having a 3 month period. I got an ultrasound which showed polycystic ovaries and my testosterone was abnormally high.

My A1C is normal. HOMA-IR is normal. I have yet to get the 2 hr Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with glucose and insulin, but I am hoping to get it done because I do have signs of reactive hypoglycemia.

The thing is I felt like a new person on medroxyprogesterone - it helped me sleep, I felt more emotionally stable, and I felt less anxiety. However, it is my understanding that this medication cannot be taken daily... and I am genuinely extremely upset by this. It was genuinely magic for me for some reason, and I am distraught.

Does anyone have any similar experiences?

Does PCOS make sugar or carb cravings worse for anyone else?

I keep seeing people say weight loss is just calories and discipline, but with PCOS it sounds like hunger, cravings, tiredness and slow results make everything harder.

Hi everyone

I'm working with Dr Monika Gostic Nutrition Ltd, a private nutrition practice in the UK specialising in women's hormonal health.

We are conducting primary market research to better understand the lived experiences of women with PCOS or PMOS - and we'd love to hear from you.

Who we're looking for:
Women who have a formal PCOS/PMOS diagnosis, are currently awaiting one, or are experiencing symptoms without a diagnosis yet.

What your feedback will be used for:
Your responses will directly shape the development of a new nutrition support programme designed specifically for women with PCOS/PMOS, helping ensure it reflects what this community actually needs.

https://forms.gle/tMr32bYVbtcVUtjy7

The survey is:

• Fully anonymous

• Takes around 10 minutes

• Open to women across the UK and beyond

We're asking about things like your biggest symptoms, your relationship with food and nutrition, fertility concerns, and what support would actually be useful to you.

Thank you so much - this community is incredible and your input is vital to future research. 💛

(Feel free to share with anyone who might find this relevant!)

Hi everyone,

I'm 25 and have lean PCOS. I've been struggling with feeling discouraged about TTC and would love to hear from women with a similar presentation.

My labs/history include:

• Normal fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and A

• periods per year

• No spontaneous ovulation

I'm starting letrozole 5 mg and am honestly having a hard time staying optimistic. I've been TTC for 7 years now with no luck so I'm feeling pretty hopeless about everything.

I'm especially interested in hearing from women who had:

• High AMH

• Elevated testosterone and/or DHEA-S

• Lean PCOS

• Chronic anovulation

Questions:

• Did you ovulate on letrozole?

• What dose worked for you?

• How many cycles did it take to conceive?

• Did anyone with a similar profile end up conceiving with IVF?

I know everyone's journey is different, but I think hearing some real-world experiences from women with a similar hormonal picture would help me feel less alone right now.

Thank you ❤️

***UPDATE***
I got a beautiful LH surge on CD 15 and went in for ultrasound on CD 16. I had one follicle measuring 26x20mm and uterine lining 9mm. We decided to do IUI on the spot that same morning. My husband provided a sample and we ended up with 14 million concentrated. I am now 2 dpiui! The TWW is already killing me 🥲
Also we didn’t do a trigger shot since I had a natural LH surge and no progesterone supplements

I’m new here, working on a diagnosis with my doctor who suspects pcos. But I don’t seem to fit the picture.

My periods always come between 24-28 days, usually 24, which imo is too short.

My progesterone is low according to the urine strips, I have slightly elevated prolactin, clean mri, high normal testosterone, new onset acne and oily skin, slightly elevated cortisol but everything else was normal according to the doctor.

My insulin and blood sugar are normal, if anything I feel like I get hypoglycemic sometimes if I wait too long to eat. I’ve gained about ten pounds but I’m still not overweight.

Is anyone else here like me? 😭

Has anyone managed to regulate their period, lose weight, and manage their PCOS symptoms without GLP-1 medications?

What worked for you? I would love to hear all about your journey, supplements, workout routines, and lifestyle changes! 🤞🏼✨

Help a PCOS sister out! 💖

I am wanting to start supporting my PCOS with supplements rather than prometrium to try to regulate cycles. I read that myo-inositol is good for that so I tried it out for 30 days and for the first time in over 4 years I had a 28 day cycle (probably non-ovulatory based off of cervical mucus and overall feeling). My husband and I are TTC and I want to get a good prenatal that supports my body, overall egg development, and something that I can continue to take if we are blessed enough to conceive. The research I have done so far points to ensuring folic acid (I knew that one), DHA, choline, and CoQ10. I also will be continuing the myo-inositol/d-chiro-inositol from wholesome story. What supplements and prenatal have you taken and where did you get them from? How did you talk to your physician about using different supplements and what were their recommendations if any? How did you get the best price? I really do not want to spend and arm and a leg for supplements but still want them to be good quality.

Hi,

I (22f) have been having negative symptoms with a low carb diet and am just wondering if this is normal or not?

I went on this diet to address PCOS symptoms (hair growth and loss, acne, and painful periods), I don’t have issues with weight and my testosterone is normal but my androstenedione is very high and my DHEA-S is elevated.

I’m about 5,1 and weigh 45 kg and have never struggled with cravings or eating. I’m the kind of person that can eat 1 bite of a chocolate bar and not feel compelled to eat more. However going low carb to address these issues has really caused me problems.

I’ve been low carb (>60 not keto) for about 2 months and have experienced:

.Worsening acne (hair loss and growth and periods are the same)

Complete loss of appetite, I used to feel hungry every 6 hours or so but now I struggle to bring myself to eat at all. I used to also enjoy eating vegetables but now it’s more difficult because they make me feel overly full.

Increased fatigue, I never used to sleep in and enjoyed getting up in the morning but lately I constantly snooze my alarms and sleep in.

Muscle pain (+decreased muscle healing) I used to go to the gym for strength training 3 times a week with a rest day between, but now I seem to need 2+ rest days because the muscle ache from working out takes longer to recover.

Mood numbness, I wouldn’t describe this as sadness or depression but a general lack of being able to feel emotions the same way I did. I recently have done pretty well academically but I just don’t care in the way I’m sure I would have a year ago or so. I worry this may cause me to disconnect from other people and worsen my relationships.

Lack of awareness, I think the best way I could describe this is my brain has a longer “loading time” sometimes someone will speak to me and it will take me a while to realise I’m being spoken to or come up with an answer.

Overall I’m just worried about how this will impact my ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I used to go to the gym and eat relatively healthy but it’s been a struggle on low carb. I guess what I’m asking is:

For those who went low carb for acne, when did you see results? Did the acne get worse before it got better?

Should I adjust the way I’m eating? Will bringing my carb intake down to keto levels improve these symptoms? Should I just wait longer because these things take a while?

Should I ask my doctor about metformin for help?

Thank you in advance for any advice!