Since the whole divorce thing, I decided to start taking Vitex since I won't be taking any clomid. So hopefully that will help me get things in check when/if I ever get married again and start a family.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Lenten Season.
May God bless you!
Showing posts with label clomid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clomid. Show all posts
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Vitex and Clomid
I've been trying to do some research on whether I can take Vitex with Clomid. So far I've only seen message board posts stating that it is not recommended to take vitex and clomid. No luck on finding any concrete evidence.
So the search still continues....
I did find this website, which had the following:
"Vitex is not a fast acting herb and may take several months to build up in your system. When using vitex to treat infertility you can take it up to 12 to 18 months - or until pregnancy occurs. Should pregnancy not occur in that time span, seek the advice of a health care professional for the next steps in achieving pregnancy. Another note of caution - you cannot take vitex while taking the fertility drug Clomid - or any drug like Clomid. It seems that vitex and Clomid counter act each other. "
I will still see if I can find a better source of information.
I found more websites that had the exact same paragraph above. So I'm guessing I cannot take Vitex and Clomid together. I suppose it's a good thing I didn't take it today. I did take my 2nd pill to induce my period and I'm not getting any symptoms that it's coming. Well, I will have to keep waiting.
So the search still continues....
I did find this website, which had the following:
"Vitex is not a fast acting herb and may take several months to build up in your system. When using vitex to treat infertility you can take it up to 12 to 18 months - or until pregnancy occurs. Should pregnancy not occur in that time span, seek the advice of a health care professional for the next steps in achieving pregnancy. Another note of caution - you cannot take vitex while taking the fertility drug Clomid - or any drug like Clomid. It seems that vitex and Clomid counter act each other. "
I will still see if I can find a better source of information.
I found more websites that had the exact same paragraph above. So I'm guessing I cannot take Vitex and Clomid together. I suppose it's a good thing I didn't take it today. I did take my 2nd pill to induce my period and I'm not getting any symptoms that it's coming. Well, I will have to keep waiting.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Research
I've been doing some research on the Fertility Friends message boards to see what I can do to up my progesterone. I've seen a lot of mention of Vitex, which I am in the process of researching more.
I found this:
http://www.chinese-herbs.org/vitex/vitex-and-women-infertility.html
Vitex and Women Infertility: The Miracle Herb
Quite few people live their lives just to enjoy living. Many more are sure one of our main tasks here is to produce the new life. Therefore, they all want to have babies, but not all succeed.
In the estimated 50% of cases couples cannot have children because of the female infertility. The most common problems in women, which lead to the impossibility to get pregnant, are Ovulatory disorders. Most often they are caused by hormonal imbalances in women. The Ovulatory Disorders include: - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (a condition, when follicles don’t develop properly and an egg cannot mature. This is caused by the imbalance of luteinizing hormone, leading to the excessive production of estrogen. The disease manifests itself through heavy and/or irregular periods.) - Hyperprolactinemia (the excessive production of prolactin by the pituitary gland, resulting in irregular or no ovulation) - Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (a condition of irregular or no ovulation due to the imbalance of the hypothalamus gland work)
Nature is wise – it has remedies against the majority of human diseases, but we are sometimes not smart enough to notice them and use properly. One of the nature’s creations, which help overcome female infertility, is Vitex.
This plant has the ability to regulate human hormonal levels. The extract from the fruit, containing flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids, affects the activity of the pituitary gland, forcing it to produce more luteinizing hormone, which results in the increased production of progesterone. Larger doses of it are necessary to achieve normal and regular ovulation, which, as a result, helps become pregnant. Irregular ovulatory function can be restored by Vitex, since it can prolong the luteal phases.
Vitex also keeps prolactin levels in check, decreasing them if they are mildly elevated. (Prolactin is necessary for milk production during the breastfeeding, but it inhibits ovulation.)
Vitex can also be helpful after discontinuing the use of birth pills to restore normal ovulation.
The extract of the plant has no immediate effect, but multiple trials show that some women, whose infertility is associated with hormonal imbalances, can get pregnant after 3 months of treatment with Vitex preparations (1.8 ml per day of the fluid extract or 35-40 mg of encapsulated powdered plant.) However, the usual treatment period is from 12 to 18 months.
There also exists information, which suggests that Vitex can work increasing hormonal levels in those women, who lack them, and decreasing them in those, who suffer from their excessive amounts. This makes Vitex a kind of a miracle herb, which knows what is better for a woman’s body and can work like an experienced doctor to make the weaker sex happier.
I think this is definately something to look into and possibly try. I just wonder what the effects of taking it with clomid are. Off to do more research....
I found this:
http://www.chinese-herbs.org/vitex/vitex-and-women-infertility.html
Vitex and Women Infertility: The Miracle Herb
Quite few people live their lives just to enjoy living. Many more are sure one of our main tasks here is to produce the new life. Therefore, they all want to have babies, but not all succeed.
In the estimated 50% of cases couples cannot have children because of the female infertility. The most common problems in women, which lead to the impossibility to get pregnant, are Ovulatory disorders. Most often they are caused by hormonal imbalances in women. The Ovulatory Disorders include: - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (a condition, when follicles don’t develop properly and an egg cannot mature. This is caused by the imbalance of luteinizing hormone, leading to the excessive production of estrogen. The disease manifests itself through heavy and/or irregular periods.) - Hyperprolactinemia (the excessive production of prolactin by the pituitary gland, resulting in irregular or no ovulation) - Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (a condition of irregular or no ovulation due to the imbalance of the hypothalamus gland work)
Nature is wise – it has remedies against the majority of human diseases, but we are sometimes not smart enough to notice them and use properly. One of the nature’s creations, which help overcome female infertility, is Vitex.
This plant has the ability to regulate human hormonal levels. The extract from the fruit, containing flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids, affects the activity of the pituitary gland, forcing it to produce more luteinizing hormone, which results in the increased production of progesterone. Larger doses of it are necessary to achieve normal and regular ovulation, which, as a result, helps become pregnant. Irregular ovulatory function can be restored by Vitex, since it can prolong the luteal phases.
Vitex also keeps prolactin levels in check, decreasing them if they are mildly elevated. (Prolactin is necessary for milk production during the breastfeeding, but it inhibits ovulation.)
Vitex can also be helpful after discontinuing the use of birth pills to restore normal ovulation.
The extract of the plant has no immediate effect, but multiple trials show that some women, whose infertility is associated with hormonal imbalances, can get pregnant after 3 months of treatment with Vitex preparations (1.8 ml per day of the fluid extract or 35-40 mg of encapsulated powdered plant.) However, the usual treatment period is from 12 to 18 months.
There also exists information, which suggests that Vitex can work increasing hormonal levels in those women, who lack them, and decreasing them in those, who suffer from their excessive amounts. This makes Vitex a kind of a miracle herb, which knows what is better for a woman’s body and can work like an experienced doctor to make the weaker sex happier.
I think this is definately something to look into and possibly try. I just wonder what the effects of taking it with clomid are. Off to do more research....
Friday, October 26, 2007
And the results are in
I called the doctor's office today to get my blood test results. My progesterone was a whopping .27. So, my clomid will be upped to 150mg. I had them call in my prescription for clomid today so I'll be ready. I will also start the medication I had previously to bring on my period. I really hope this time it works. I'm getting more and more depressed everyday. It seems like everywhere I turn, there's someone who's pregnant or has a newborn. I feel myself getting very jealous. I just have to keep myself occupied and my mind off of the whole trying to conceive thing.
One of my friends from work wants me to work on crocheting them a blanket for their living room. So I'll use that to keep my mind off of things. I have a blanket that I'm working on for my friend who is pregnant, but I don't think I can work on that.
Exspectantes-Thank you for your prayers! I'll be sending some your way.
One of my friends from work wants me to work on crocheting them a blanket for their living room. So I'll use that to keep my mind off of things. I have a blanket that I'm working on for my friend who is pregnant, but I don't think I can work on that.
Exspectantes-Thank you for your prayers! I'll be sending some your way.
Monday, October 8, 2007
I suppose....
I suppose I should write an update..it has been awhile.
My first cycle on clomid was a bust. My period started last Saturday (Sept. 29th). I did up my pills and have taken them for "round 2". I feel this is "old hat" now. I'm not as gung-ho this cycle. I had heard so many stories about getting pregnant on the first cycle of clomid. When I talked to the nurse after my progesterone test she said next cycle they would bump it up to 100mg of clomid. I went to pick up my prescription and it was for only 50mg again. I did have a strong ovulation last cycle so we'll see how that goes.
I've been waking up about a half hour to an hour earlier than my normal wake up time of 5:10am. I've now adjusted my wake time and am now getting up at 4:20am. I started with my ovulation predictor kits today...very faint line so ovulation isn't too far off. I hope I have some ovulation pain again this cycle. It was a nice reminder that it wasn't too far off.
Since I'm not pregnant, I'm enjoying a nice cold beer. So *cheers* and here to a new cycle and new hope.
My first cycle on clomid was a bust. My period started last Saturday (Sept. 29th). I did up my pills and have taken them for "round 2". I feel this is "old hat" now. I'm not as gung-ho this cycle. I had heard so many stories about getting pregnant on the first cycle of clomid. When I talked to the nurse after my progesterone test she said next cycle they would bump it up to 100mg of clomid. I went to pick up my prescription and it was for only 50mg again. I did have a strong ovulation last cycle so we'll see how that goes.
I've been waking up about a half hour to an hour earlier than my normal wake up time of 5:10am. I've now adjusted my wake time and am now getting up at 4:20am. I started with my ovulation predictor kits today...very faint line so ovulation isn't too far off. I hope I have some ovulation pain again this cycle. It was a nice reminder that it wasn't too far off.
Since I'm not pregnant, I'm enjoying a nice cold beer. So *cheers* and here to a new cycle and new hope.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
We have some good news and some bad news.
The good news: Clomid has moved up my ovulation date. I believe I ovulated yesterday, September 11th.
The bad news: My husband and I haven’t baby-danced since Sunday so this cycle is a bust since we more than likely missed the egg.
I am incredibly frustrated right now. I know there is always a chance. I guess I will just hold on to that hope for now. Though, I am incredibly excited that I possibly ovulated on CD17. That’s the earliest I have ever ovulated! So the clomid does work.
I think this may be a good time to start a novena to St. Gianna. The last day of the novena will be the 20th, which will possibly be 9 DPO.
Novena To Obtain Graces Through Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
God, our Father, you have granted to your church the gift of Gianna Beretta Molla. In her youth she lovingly sought you and drew other young people to you, involving them, through apostolic witness and Catholic Action, in the care of the sick and aged, to help and comfort them.
We thank you for the gift of this young women, so deeply committed to you. Through her example grant us the grace to consecrate our life to your service, for the joy of our brothers and sisters.
Glory be …
Jesus, Redeemer of mankind, you called Saint Gianna to exercise the medical profession as a mission for the comfort of bodies and souls. In her suffering fellowmen and in the little ones, deprived of all support, she saw you.
We thank you for having revealed yourself to this servant as “one who serves” and who soothes the sufferings of men. Treasuring her example may we become generous Christians at the service of our brothers and sisters, especially those with whom you deign to share your Cross.
Glory be…
God, Sanctifying Spirit, who love the Church as your Bride, you poured into the heart of Saint Gianna a share of your Love so that she could radiate it in her family, and thus cooperate with you in the wonderful plan of creation, and give life to new children who could know and love you.
We thank you for this model wife and, through her encouraging witness, we beg you to grant to our families the serene and Christian presence of mothers committed to transform them into cenacles of faith and love, rich with generous activity and sanctifying service.
Glory be…
O God, Creator and lover of mankind, you were close to Saint Gianna when, affected by illness, she was in the painful dilemma of choosing between her own life and the life of the child whom she was carrying in herself, a gift long-awaited. Trusting you alone, and aware of your Commandment to respect human life, Gianna found the courage to do her duty as a mother and to say “yes” to the new life of her baby, generously sacrificing her own. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and after the example of Gianna, inspire all mothers to welcome with love the sparkle of new life. Grant us the grace we are praying for …………. and the joy to find in Saint Gianna who, as a model spouse and mother, after the example of Christ, gave up her life for the life of others.
Hail Mary…
The bad news: My husband and I haven’t baby-danced since Sunday so this cycle is a bust since we more than likely missed the egg.
I am incredibly frustrated right now. I know there is always a chance. I guess I will just hold on to that hope for now. Though, I am incredibly excited that I possibly ovulated on CD17. That’s the earliest I have ever ovulated! So the clomid does work.
I think this may be a good time to start a novena to St. Gianna. The last day of the novena will be the 20th, which will possibly be 9 DPO.
Novena To Obtain Graces Through Saint Gianna Beretta Molla
God, our Father, you have granted to your church the gift of Gianna Beretta Molla. In her youth she lovingly sought you and drew other young people to you, involving them, through apostolic witness and Catholic Action, in the care of the sick and aged, to help and comfort them.
We thank you for the gift of this young women, so deeply committed to you. Through her example grant us the grace to consecrate our life to your service, for the joy of our brothers and sisters.
Glory be …
Jesus, Redeemer of mankind, you called Saint Gianna to exercise the medical profession as a mission for the comfort of bodies and souls. In her suffering fellowmen and in the little ones, deprived of all support, she saw you.
We thank you for having revealed yourself to this servant as “one who serves” and who soothes the sufferings of men. Treasuring her example may we become generous Christians at the service of our brothers and sisters, especially those with whom you deign to share your Cross.
Glory be…
God, Sanctifying Spirit, who love the Church as your Bride, you poured into the heart of Saint Gianna a share of your Love so that she could radiate it in her family, and thus cooperate with you in the wonderful plan of creation, and give life to new children who could know and love you.
We thank you for this model wife and, through her encouraging witness, we beg you to grant to our families the serene and Christian presence of mothers committed to transform them into cenacles of faith and love, rich with generous activity and sanctifying service.
Glory be…
O God, Creator and lover of mankind, you were close to Saint Gianna when, affected by illness, she was in the painful dilemma of choosing between her own life and the life of the child whom she was carrying in herself, a gift long-awaited. Trusting you alone, and aware of your Commandment to respect human life, Gianna found the courage to do her duty as a mother and to say “yes” to the new life of her baby, generously sacrificing her own. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Jesus, and after the example of Gianna, inspire all mothers to welcome with love the sparkle of new life. Grant us the grace we are praying for …………. and the joy to find in Saint Gianna who, as a model spouse and mother, after the example of Christ, gave up her life for the life of others.
Hail Mary…
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Getting back into the swing of things
This may be a repeat of what I had previously written, but I'll just recap.
I started my period on Aug 26th and I then started my first round of clomid on Aug 28 and took my last pill on Sept 1st. I am still waiting to ovulate, but my temperature took a dive today so I'm hoping I will actually ovulate today. Today is CD 14, so that would be a miracle. I've been having aches in my pelvic area for the past few days which I am hoping is ovulation pain. I have scheduled my CD 21 bloodwork to check my pergesterone levels. Unfortunately, CD 21 falls on a Saturday and the doctor's office is not open. So my appointment will be on Sept 14th at 8:30. I did a bit of research on what the levels should be post ovualation and found this website.
Follicular phase 0.2 - 1.4 ng/mL
Luteal phase 3.3 - 25.0 ng/mL
Mid-luteal phase 4.4 - 28.0 ng/mL
Postmenopausal less than 0.7 ng/mL
Pregnant
1st trimester 11.2 - 90.0 ng/mL
2nd trimester 25.6 - 89.4 ng/mL
3rd trimester 48.4 - 422.5 ng/mL
I ordered some ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) and home pregnanct tests (HPTs) on Sept 4th. I was really hoping they would be here by now. So maybe today I will get them. I am a POAS-aholic. (Pee On A Stick). This cycle seems to be taking forever. I keep staring at my chart in hopes that I will find some hidden revelation.
Awhile ago someone on one of my message boards that I frequent posted a link to the show "Life's Greatest Miracle" that aired on the Nova program on PBS. Just watching that made me just realize how much of a miracle it really is. So if you'd like to watch the show here is the link http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/miracle/program.html. It's really a great program and I recommend everyone watch it.
I started my period on Aug 26th and I then started my first round of clomid on Aug 28 and took my last pill on Sept 1st. I am still waiting to ovulate, but my temperature took a dive today so I'm hoping I will actually ovulate today. Today is CD 14, so that would be a miracle. I've been having aches in my pelvic area for the past few days which I am hoping is ovulation pain. I have scheduled my CD 21 bloodwork to check my pergesterone levels. Unfortunately, CD 21 falls on a Saturday and the doctor's office is not open. So my appointment will be on Sept 14th at 8:30. I did a bit of research on what the levels should be post ovualation and found this website.
Follicular phase 0.2 - 1.4 ng/mL
Luteal phase 3.3 - 25.0 ng/mL
Mid-luteal phase 4.4 - 28.0 ng/mL
Postmenopausal less than 0.7 ng/mL
Pregnant
1st trimester 11.2 - 90.0 ng/mL
2nd trimester 25.6 - 89.4 ng/mL
3rd trimester 48.4 - 422.5 ng/mL
I ordered some ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) and home pregnanct tests (HPTs) on Sept 4th. I was really hoping they would be here by now. So maybe today I will get them. I am a POAS-aholic. (Pee On A Stick). This cycle seems to be taking forever. I keep staring at my chart in hopes that I will find some hidden revelation.
Awhile ago someone on one of my message boards that I frequent posted a link to the show "Life's Greatest Miracle" that aired on the Nova program on PBS. Just watching that made me just realize how much of a miracle it really is. So if you'd like to watch the show here is the link http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/miracle/program.html. It's really a great program and I recommend everyone watch it.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Appointment
I just got back from my consultation with my Dr. and I’m taking the rest of the day off. She gave me some BCPs to get my period started, but I only have to take a weeks worth. Which is fine with me.
And I also have my clomid. I’m so excited, nervous, scared. I’ll be taking 50mg on CDs 3-7 and will have blood drawn on CD 21. I really can’t wait to get this started!
When I was walking around the store waiting for my prescription to be filled I ended up walking by the baby stuff. Probably not the smartest idea.
I've always had thoughts of me getting pregnant, but I never could quite envision me being a parent. Weird, I know.
So, I'm off to start taking my pills and hope my period comes soon.
And I also have my clomid. I’m so excited, nervous, scared. I’ll be taking 50mg on CDs 3-7 and will have blood drawn on CD 21. I really can’t wait to get this started!
When I was walking around the store waiting for my prescription to be filled I ended up walking by the baby stuff. Probably not the smartest idea.
I've always had thoughts of me getting pregnant, but I never could quite envision me being a parent. Weird, I know.
So, I'm off to start taking my pills and hope my period comes soon.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Consult tomorrow
So, tomorrow is my appointment. The consulation I had last year I had to have blood drawn. I hope this isn't the case tomorrow. If I have blood drawn tomorrow, there's no way I will be able to go back to work. See, I tend to pass out after having blood drawn. I don't know why. My dad is this way too.
After putting in my tempurature yesterday on my FF chart, my cover line was taken away. My temperature went up today, but I have not gotten my cover line again. So, it's looking like another annovulatory cycle. *sigh* But the good news is that I will probably get my clomid prescription tomorrow. I wonder if I will get a prescription of prometrium to start my period sooner so I can start clomid sooner. I have a list of questions to ask tomorrow and I have asked my husband to come up with questions too.
After putting in my tempurature yesterday on my FF chart, my cover line was taken away. My temperature went up today, but I have not gotten my cover line again. So, it's looking like another annovulatory cycle. *sigh* But the good news is that I will probably get my clomid prescription tomorrow. I wonder if I will get a prescription of prometrium to start my period sooner so I can start clomid sooner. I have a list of questions to ask tomorrow and I have asked my husband to come up with questions too.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Appointment Update
So, my appointment for my annual exam was yesterday. I met with my nurse practitioner. She was very concerned regarding my very irregular cycles. I looked through my last year’s worth of charts and it shows I only ovulated 3-4 times. I think my average cycle length was in the 50 day range. I honestly think that we won’t get pregnant without any medical intervention. My blood pressure was 100/60. My BMI (Body Mass Index) was 19 though. She said she’d like to see me gain at least 5 pounds, maybe up to 10. I’m at a loss on what I need to do. I don’t have that big of an appetite. I know I will have to start exercising more and gain more muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat.
I told my husband about the appointment and how it went. I basically told him that if we want to get pregnant, it probably won’t be naturally. He seemed okay this time to me taking medication. I’m pretty sure the doctor is going to put me on clomid. So I’ll be thoroughly researching it.
I also think that I might have PCOS. But I’ll have to ask my gynecologist when I go back on Aug. 22. I will also have to remind her of the fact that I am Catholic and so is my husband. I am printing off that article on what is acceptable for infertility treatment and give her to put in my file. I also gave my nurse practitioner all my charts from the last year for my gynecologist to go over before my visit. I gave my gynecologist all my charts that I had last year as well. I really hope she actually is looking at them and is using them. I’ve heard stories of gynecologists totally blowing off any charting their patients have brought in.
I guess deep down I’m scared that I may never give my husband any children.
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