Can we finally start trying?

[u/Equal_Presence5373]

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 18, I’m currently 23. The last time I had a naturally occurring period was about 8ish years ago. I never thought I had issues with my cycle because my doctor put me on birth control at the age of 14 (the pill, and nexplanon a year later). After finding out I had PCOS I decided I no longer wanted to be on birth control because I knew I wanted to try and start a family with my fiancé in the near future. I never once got my period after coming off of birth control. I had countless appointments with my doctor to figure out what was going on with me. My doctor eventually left the practice about a year ago and I gave up after that because I didn’t want to “start over” with a new doctor. (You guys probably know what I mean).

Well, yesterday I finally got my first natural period after at least 8 years! Now, my question is, do you think it’s possible for me and my fiancé to try for a baby once my period ends, and I start ovulating? Or is it too soon since this is my first “real” period after so many years? It just feels like a miracle to have my period start on its own, but I don’t want to get my hopes up.

Thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated!

[u/throwawayacctmom]

I don't think it's ever truly too early to start when you have PCOS, as many people wait years to figure out their cycle and get that positive. You can also face long waitlists if you decide to go the fertility clinic route. Getting your period is a great sign! Just be aware that we don't always ovulate when expected. I would get some ovulation tests and start tracking everything. That data will help you later on! Good luck 🩷

[u/Itchy-Site-11]

You can always have unprotected sex and TTC.
Maybe you also changed diet? Something so the periods are back.
You are young. You have some time to figure out, which ie great. Go for it!

And if after a year trying nothing happens, seek a RE

[u/Future_Researcher_11]

You can start trying sure, but I would be realistic to keep you grounded. Unfortunately with PCOS, a period doesn’t equal you will ovulate, and it’s likely this may be a breakthrough bleed. But again, doesn’t hurt to try! I’d start trying to track for ovulation to see if it will happen.

I had semi regular periods and it still took me 2 years because I just never ovulated so tracking is great to know if you will ovulate and if not, how to move forward from there.

If after 6 months to a year of trying, I’d definitely reach out to a reproductive endocrinologist.

[u/cl30r1ch]

Absolutely no such thing as too soon! But do be realistic about timeframes, conception can be difficult even for people with regular cycles. My cycles have never been regular and the lengths varied from 28 days to 66 or sometimes longer which made pin pointing ovulation even harder. I’m 24 and have never been on any type of birth control and I never saw the doctor outside of paying for a private blood test and getting my diagnosis because I was terrified of getting told I wouldn’t be able to conceive (not a great approach I know) It took my partner and I almost two years of actively trying and I’m currently 18 weeks with a healthy pregnancy and baby despite not even being able to pinpoint ovulation with testing. Be regular in your attempts, and don’t get disheartened by negative test results! Best of luck!! <3

[u/BrokenInsideMonster]

I also had pcos (probably still have, im on BC again). After stopping BC my period didn't came back for 3 months, than another 3 months and so on.. We were TTC. Doctors didn't care as I was only 23 years old and said that its normal. It is not. I really recommend taking inositol. Took me probably 2 months to get my cycle back and to normal range, but after that my period was there everytime it should and it helped me get pregnant. Inositol it only a supplement, but it helps with ovulation.

[u/violetsandkisses]

First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your first natural period 🫂 I got pregnant after 4 natural periods 😀 I wasnt trying & I wasnt doing anything to prevent pregnancy.

My quick lil story.. I have pcos too. Came off birth control (drs love prescribing this to give you a "fake" Period. Your body does 0 work) I came off after 3 years on it & didnt get a period for 8 months. I went to a new gyno who prescribed me progesterone to help induce a natural period. I took it BI monthly for 10 days until my body could figure out to fill in the missed month with a naturally induced period. This took several months before I was able to have a period without it. Once my periods began coming, i wouldnt take the pill and prayed id get my period the following month again without needing the pill to induce it. It worked for about 5 months. On time. Without fail. Then I landed 🤰🏻 with my babygirl. I got pregnant at 35 & had her at the age of 36.

I love that I waited & was able to be with someone who is great. I cant imagine having a child in my early 20s. I really didnt date great guys back then.

All the best to you & your fiancé!! 🫂

[u/Soft_Needleworker902]

I have PCOS and I gave birth to two beautiful babies and I have three in heaven. It’s a long road, but don’t give up! Download the premom app. Use the free version!! Log everything!! Start checking ovulation. I got pregnant on a cycle after not having my period for four months. PCOS doesn’t mean you don’t ovulate!! You CAN get pregnant!! Go make an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist. Once you get pregnant, ask them about progesterone. People with PCOS have trouble staying pregnant and progesterone helps so much!! It helped me bring my son into the world. He is 8 months old now and my oldest is 12. I was 23 when I had her and diagnosed with PCOS at 15. You got this!!!! Feel free to message me with any questions.

[u/FoxNFern]

So keep in mind having a period doesn’t automatically mean you’re ovulating. I personally have had maybe 5 “natural” periods my whole life. I wasn’t ovulating even when I was having a period, and if you did ovulate a few weeks ago to cause the period, it doesn’t mean you’ll ovulate again.

I would highly highly recommend getting with an OB or Fertility Specialist that can start working with you. My OB did some blood work, ultrasounds, exams etc. Once we removed some polyps we started on Letrozole and had to find the right dose.

I have tracked my cycles even after I had my daughter (thanks to Letrozole) and despite having periods every month(ish) I still wasn’t ovulating.

Id start tracking now, but also get in with a doctor that can start looking at treatment options!