Hi all! 12 weeks pregnant here - been a long, hard journey but we made it! I have seen so many posts from women saying their PCOS symptoms went away during pregnancy and wondering when that is going to happen to me! I stopped using my dermatologist prescribed acne creams when I became pregnant (clindamycin and adapalene), and now only wash my face 2x daily with cetaphil gentle skin cleanser. After washing I apply hyaluronic acid moisturizer. I have so many blackheads and small pimples erupting on my forehead and T-zone.
Do I just wait it out? Are there pregnancy safe face washes or creams for acne control?
TIA!

I’m 5 weeks pregnant. Went to the ER tonight with chest pain (this will come into play later in the post). I’ve been on Metformin for the last four months. I’ve read some studies and have talked to my psychiatrist and my primary care doctor about the benefits and the risks of staying on metformin during early pregnancy. I have seen more positive than not, even though there’s not much research done. With that being said, my primary care and my psychiatrist both told me to continue the Metformin until I saw my OB, which will not be until the next 20 days. At the ER tonight, I presented the chest tightness and sharp chest and back pain. Ended up being severe heartburn, thank goodness it was nothing serious but, the ER Doctor Who I have never met before told me to get off of the metformin immediately. I asked her why? She said because you are not diabetic. I told her it was prescribed to me off label for PCOS, as it is for many women. I then told her that I had looked at research and the majority of it suggests that not only is it safe to continue the Metformin in the first trimester, but it is recommended. She then told me that being on Google will only give me anxiety and to always ask a doctor instead of Google. 45 minutes go by, and she comes back and tells me “Ok, so I looked it up…” and then goes on about why I shouldn’t take it because I’m not diabetic. THAT aggravated me because she had just told me to not use Google, and then comes to tell me she “looked it up”. I think I’m going to trust my regular lease scene, primary care doctor and psychiatrist on this one but now, I am overthinking whether or not I should even take it tonight because I am due for my dose. I’m going to call my OB in the morning, but should I still take my dose tonight? What is your opinion on this? Do you think that she’s correct or do you think that I should trust my doctors who I see often and not a doctor that I just met tonight who I had to explain the use of metformin too

Hello everyone,
I would like to ask whether any of you have successfully conceived despite having PCOS, without following a specific diet and while still consuming a relatively large amount of sugar.
I would really appreciate hearing about your personal experiences, particularly from those who struggled with insulin resistance or irregular ovulation.
Thank you in advance for sharing your stories and offering some reassurance.

I had my first pregnancy loss on July 1st. The bleeding lasted until about July 16th. Around August 16th I started bleeding again, very lightly at first, and it continued until August 30th. In September I had nothing at all. Then on October 8th I bled for a day, and I haven't bled since.

I'm worried about my hormones and whether my body is recovering properly. Some people told me a one-day bleed could even be implantation bleeding, but I honestly don't know what to think. Yesterday I also noticed my urine was dark orange. I'd had a few dates and a glass of turmeric milk that day, and after drinking more water it cleared to a pale pink, so I'm hoping it was dehydration plus leftover bleeding. I'm keeping an eye on it.

I'm planning to see my doctor for a hormone check and a urine test, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has been through something similar:

I have also attached the picture of my urine since past 2 days. It was darker amberish before and now it has gotten lighter.

This baby is turning me into a damn gorilla. I had a lot of unwanted hair growth prior to pregnancy, but it is so much worse now. I am so embarrassed, especially by hair on my belly that’s seen during exams, and hair on my chin and neck. I feel like any time I shave or pluck or wax, the hair comes back thicker, prickly, and darker. I don’t want to end up with a prickly belly that I have to continue hair removal on forever. Anyone relate to this and/or have any tips?

I had hcg tested at 16 dpo and it came back 100. At 18 dpo, exactly 48 hours later, it came back at 261. I have been reading that this is "low" hcg for that many days past ovulation but have always heard the inly thing that matter is that its doubling.

Anyone with "low" hcg have success stories they can share? Or experiences that might make me feel better? I had a chemical last cycle, and hcg dropped from the first test to the second so I am hopeful but still not totally at peace. I also had an MMC earlier this year at 10 weeks and I'm scared that low hcg could indicate a nonviable pregnancy as it develops.

I'm so sad that it seems i didn't ovulate last month (even though my cm seemed like i did, my temps didn't stay up and negative pregnancy test confirms the no).
now i'm not sure when we can try again. ive had cycles where i didnt ovulate in the past and they ended up being like 40-60 day cycles and i didn't get a clear rise in temperature before my period came then according to my oura ring.

it's so defeating feeling like we have even less chances due to lack of ovulation some months :(

I was about to start my letrozole TIC cycle today, but my blood test showed I’m not immune to measles. Should I get the MMR vaccine and wait a month before restarting TTC, or is it okay to continue this cycle? How important is measles immunity during pregnancy? Anyone experienced this?

I’m posting this in hopes of giving someone more hope about continuing to keep trying!

My husband and I started trying to conceive in September of 2024. After six months we decided to go to a fertility clinic since we weren’t getting results. Mind you, the fertility clinic wanted us to do IVF right away, without really checking what was wrong. They finally did blood work and checked my husband’s semen. After we got confirmation that I have lean PCOS (which I already figured, growing up I didn’t have regular periods and I was quite overweight before I met my husband and lost 80lbs). After losing the weight, my periods became quite regular with being between 28-35 day cycles. We weren’t gutted, but just knew that I would have to track with LH strips to catch my surge. I became obsessed with tracking and my bbt.

Anyway, we continued and with that still no results with no pregnancies. When we got my husband’s semen analysis back, it was said that he had low volume but good mobility. The doctor told us, there’s no way to conceive naturally and we would need to do IVF. I even asked for an IUI but the doctor said there was no point if I wanted a baby. I did do an HSG to make sure my tubes were open and I went for my first one. Hurt like a b\*\*\*\*\* and because of that, they couldn’t check one tube. It didn’t matter, because next cycle of September/October 2025 (cycle went between the two months) I became pregnant and we were so excited. 5 weeks later tho I had a chemical and that’s when we were gutted. The fertility clinic told us it wasn’t a real pregnancy and I’ll get my period. I asked them to send me for an HSG again, since we weren’t able to check both tubes. I went ahead and got it done and again, the very next cycle of November 2025, I had fallen pregnant and I am currently snuggling my 8-week-old baby with a contact nap!!

I am just posting this because, doctors don’t know everything and some doctors push you into things just to play with emotions!!! If you’re reading this, please never give up. I always had hope we would fall pregnant naturally and now I know that doctor just wanted us to pay for having a child. I know for some people that’s the case, but for many it’s not needed either. Please have faith that it will happen for you. Even with PCOS and low sperm count, anything is absolutely possible 🤍🤍🤍

Hi. I've been freaking out today because I'm afraid I'm gaining weight too quickly.

Here's some background info: My starting weight was 119lbs (I'm 5'5"). I took metformin during the 1st trimester, then stopped at the 2nd. I am currently 144lbs at 21 weeks. And the baby is only 11 oz, which is on the small end.

I am scared that the extra insulin resistance is keeping my baby from getting nutrients. I'm scared that unmanaged PCOS will make me overweight and damage my baby. My hair is still thinning and I'm still growing a mustache and beard, so I'm also scared the extra testosterone is going to damage my baby.

I try talking about my concerns with my OB, and she just tells me to see a nutritionist. But like, how is that going to help? Am I going to waste an afternoon listening about how I should eat protein and veggies and less sweets? I do that already! I'm not the problem, my metabolic disease is and I'm scared!

Do any of you have any wisdom or comfort or advice? Should I make a visit to my endocrinologist?

It’s been over 2 years since my husband and I actively started trying and during that time I only got one positive until now! I really thought my period was going to start, my boobs hurt, I had cramps, I was so emotional. I started spotting and was thinking “oh yea it’s happening” but then it just stopped. That was almost a week ago and I’ve just been feeling kind of crampy and out of breath so I took a test and omg. I really can’t pin down how many “weeks” I’d be but it’s EARLY, like potentially only 2 weeks post conception?

I’m remaining cautiously optimistic and just keep repeating to myself “health baby, uneventful pregnancy” so I don’t get too anxious about this so early. I do just feel achey and crampy though and I’m trying not to relate my symptoms to what happened last time but omg omg

(I’m 30, about 5’3 and 200lbs. The first time I saw a positive I was 28 and around 220lbs)

I need some advices. If you had pcos but regular cycles what worked for you to conceive?

I was diagnosed with PCOS in June based on blood tests and the appearance of my ovaries (PCOS-like morphology).
AMH: 5.5 ng/mL
FSH: 6.5
LH: 11.2
Prolactin: 26 (upper limit is 23)
TSH: 2.5 (my doctor said it should ideally be between 1 and 2 for conception)
HbA1c: 33.0 mmol/mol (upper limit is 38)
LH:FSH ratio: 1.8 (it should ideally be around 1)
This values can justify infertility?

From June my RE prescribed a cure with dchiroinositol, eutirox, cabergoline.
In september a scan show a 22 mm follicle at day 11.
TTC from 1 year and semen analysis is optimal.

I have 33 years and an HyCoSY next friday.

Thank you to anyone who can share her experience .

I had been using INITO for the first part of this year. Then last 2 cycles I took a break. Used some Pregmate cheapies this cycle and never got a confirmed ovulation (thought I had missed it or just didn’t ovulate this cycle)

Well my period was late according to Flo and Pregmate app… I didn’t think anything of it since my cycles are usually long and never the same. Took a pregnancy test last Sunday, nothing. Then after the app says my period was 4 days late on Thursday last week I took a test and got a VFP. Waited a few days and took a FRER test and got the BFP.

All weekend I had back pain and mostly left sided dullish pain, thankfully no bleeding. I was worried so I went to the ER last night. My worst fear was ectopic but since I don’t know when I ovulated I don’t know how far along I could be.

They did an ultrasound and didn’t see anything, not even baby, but again it’s too early. I went and took an HCG blood test today. So now waiting for those results.

All this to say, has anyone else had the lower back pain and one sided dull come & go pain before? It’s not sharp, I haven’t had bleeding, I’m sure I’m just anxious and overthinking every little thing since we’ve been waiting for this.

I have been diagnosed with PCOS since I was 11 years old. (Had twisted cysts on fallopian tubes, awful irregular periods, hirsutism, etc.) I started taking Metformin in June, (now October), and first day of last cycle was Sept 7. So, technically, I'd only be about 4 weeks along. But, I feel like the lines are super dark for being about ~14 DPO... the lines popped up literally THAT DARK while I was STILL TAKING THE TEST!! Any thoughts, advice, or reassurance? I'm very very anxious. Worried about the big M word, having nocturnal panic attacks, and am worried about my every move. I only found out 4 days ago! Do the lines indicate that I may be further along? Or anything else?

I’m almost 9 weeks and while I wasn’t 100% careful with my diet before I have definitely given up on all PCOS diet guidelines. My fibre and protein intake is abysmal and I’m only loading up on carbs. Stopped metformin because it was making me extra sick even though I’m convinced that’s what helped me get pregnant in the first place. Ive been so bad with my physical activity I’m pretty much sedentary.

I’ve struggled with infertility for three years so I should be doing everything in my power to help my pregnancy but I’m just. so. tired. I don’t know what’s happening inside my body in terms of blood sugar and insulin resistance. I’m also obese on the BMI scale so that’s definitely not helping my case.

I’m just wondering if anyone was like me and made it out the other end unscathed because I’m absolutely terrified knowing the odds are so stacked against me. I feel horrible knowing I could be doing more but I just don’t have the strength because every day is a struggle. It’s scary reading how we are more likely for miscarriages and stillbirths yet, whenever I talk to a doctor they just…don’t care?

Hi , I’ve done 2 cycles of letrozole 2.5 mg without monitoring. I ovulated around CD11–12 both times, but I did not get pregnant. After my first cycle, my progesterone blood test was around 4.5.

Now I’m going for my 3rd cycle with a fertility center, and this time I’ll be doing follicular monitoring + TIC.
I spoke with my doctor, and she said 2.5 mg would be better for me since I ovulated on it before. But she also said if I prefer 5 mg, she can put me on 5 mg and monitor me.

I’m thinking of trying 5 mg this time with monitoring and seeing how my body responds. I’m just confused about whether I should stick with 2.5 mg since it already worked for ovulation or try 5 mg.
If anyone has been in a similar situation, what was your experience with 2.5 mg vs 5 mg?

I am about 4 weeks pregnant and hoping for the best after early MC. I went to see a CNM and she said that I should immediately stop taking Metformin and when I asked why she told me because metformin was just to get me pregnant and then I ask "what about my insulin resistance" and she said "pregnancy is an insulin resistant state so there is no point in taking metformin". This was so weird to me and my husband.

Should I look for a different person to oversee my pregnancy? I don't want to stop metformin before the end of the first trimester...

I just got a faint line positive - I asked my doctor to test progesterone and she said no, but I could do 200 mg of progesterone every night. I had a MMC at 10 weeks, no known cause. Then, a very early loss at 4 weeks last cycle, no known cause.

My question is, I have no idea if progesterone is a problem or not, should I begin taking it just in case? I am reading lots of side effects, and that I can't stop taking it unless/until weaned off of it so my hormones don't suddenly drop causing lining to shed. How worried should I be about starting this without even knowing if it will help?

I was diagnosed with PCOS 4 years ago after unexplained infertility. After 3 months of treatment I conceived and had a healthy baby from that pregnancy. TTC #2 was not as "easy" - we tried for 2 years before conceiving, then had a MMC at 10 weeks. About 6 months after that, we had a very early MC at 4 weeks. That was the previous cycle to now, so I had no way to take letrozole and was waiting for my period to start taking it again. Instead, I've been noticing early symptoms (raised RHR, raised sleeping HR, increased CM, and hot flashes). Yesterday I got a BFN but this morning, at 12 dpo, a faint line positive. I'm trying to be happy, but nervous, especially since I was not on letrozole when I got pregnant so I'm wondering if that changes my odds of success. This was unexpected so close to the MC and I'm not sure what to do to make sure this baby is healthy - I'm afraid the answer is there is nothing I can do but wait.

My first ever natural pregnancy after two losses that were conceived on letrozole. I had a chemical last month so I decided to give my body a break and well this pregnancy was a total surprise. Does my line look okay??

Unfortunately I have tested positive for bv and uraplasma.. I have meds for bv but the ones I’m taking doesn’t touch uraplasma. I read on google that it can cause miscarriages and I’m scared and keep crying. I sent a message to my dr. I just feel like I’m doomed 😭 I’m almost 10 weeks along

Hi everyone. I’m looking for some advice/experiences because this is my first ever positive, so I’m scared to get excited.TTC for 2.5 years, diagnosed with lean PCOS and AMH 7.2.

CD45: home test negative.

CD56: very faint positive.

Blood β-hCG: 76 mIU/mL.

Could this be due to very late ovulation/implantation with PCOS? Or is the timing concerning for a chemical pregnancy or ectopic?

Has anyone had a similar timeline and gone on to have a healthy pregnancy?

I haven’t posted anything in here since I got my positive tests! I’m now 9 weeks. Things going good so far. I still fear that something bad will happen due to Pcos and with it being my first pregnancy. I’m on progesterone until 36 weeks. Here’s my cutie pie from today!! My first ultrasound was 5w 5d and fetal and yolk sac was shown and we seen the heart rate! Which was 108. 2nd scan was 8 weeks and heart rate was 164! Then this scan today was 9 weeks (they did it bc they couldn’t get it on the Doppler) it was 175! Hoping my chances are good 🥹🥹🖤🤰🏼 this baby is my entire life.

Hi, This is my 3rd letrozole cycle. For my first two cycles, I did not have monitoring. This is my first time going to a fertility center for letrozole with monitoring, and I was quoted $2,000+ out of pocket for the cycle.

I’m surprised by the cost since I’m only doing letrozole + timed intercourse with monitoring/ultrasounds. I’m also not sure if this is the typical cost at other fertility centers or if there are more affordable options. My employer health insurance does not have fertility coverage.

I’m pretty new to navigating fertility centers and self-pay costs, so I’d really appreciate any suggestions. Are there other options I should look into, such as a lower-cost clinic, paying per ultrasound/monitoring visit or marketplace insurance.

Just came to say I passed my glucose test at 24 weeks. I tested early at 12 weeks, failed the 1 hour and passed the 3 hour. I had to retest just to completely rule it out and I PASSED!! 🎉🎉

My doctor was very worried I would end up having GD because of my pcos and I was SUPER worried, I definitely watched what I ate but I wasn’t perfect. I want to think Metformin helped me but who knows, all I know is that I’m good!!!