questions; specific, credible advice sought

[cecelia7]

Hi all,

I've been a long-time stalker and keep thinking I will jinx myself if I come out of the shadows and committ to TTC fully, but its a new year, and perhaps time to let go of some fears.  Also, now that the wedding is literally around the corner and I don't need to worry about being too huge or in labor in the midst of the ceremony, since that's a not physically possible at this point...well, here i am.

We started half-way TTC this time last year. Then, I learned I was both hyper and hypo-thyroid. I've been working on getting my thyroid levels straight since June (after SO's SA came back normal we started to look at me). Things have regularized, specifically, my levels and symptoms, or lack thereof, have been at their best these last two cycles. For instance, my periods have returned to normal (no longer scant), my BBT is up about about .4 - .6 degrees consistently, and I have consist four days of EWCM. I had an FSH and LH test in early December. OB said everything was great and that my hormones looked "better than most five years younger". 

I am taking Vitamin D and a B Complex.  Most days.

My cycles, though they were scant from last March through October, are textbook 27-28 days.

Still no positive HPT.  I turn 37 in February. And, have had two miscarriages in the past so conception shouldn't be the problem. I am concerned about carrying, but my endo assures me we will deal with that once I become pregnant.

SO has had a SA. Everything was fine.

Here's what I need to know:

1) Do I need a progesterone test?

2) In December, OB said to give her a call and she would put me on Clomid at the drop of a hat. I missed the window for this month. I just....couldn't commit.  There's a theme there, if you know me...yet, it defies reason, if everything's "fine" why shouldn't this happen naturally?

3) What are the best and least expensive OPKs out there? I bought some last month, the Target brand (again the commitment issue) knowing they would be substandard and....

4) What are some dieting tips you use to increase fertility that in your experience you feel actually works?

5) any other supplements?

thanks,

c.

[massageforwomen]

I usually recommend the Clear Blue Easy OVP kits to my clients. They are reliable and easy to read. I wouldn't head the direction of Clomid right away. Keeping an eye on Progesterone levels can't hurt. I usually recommend a progesterone test for women going through my natural fertility treatments so we can make sure that the levels look okay. Vitanica makes good supplements. My clients usually choose to go on Pregnancy Prep by Vitanica. 

[hadleymonroe]

1) I just had a progesterone test after a CP (chemical pregnancy) and was glad I did it. It's a super easy and usually cheap / covered test, and it gives you info on something very simple that can prevent you from getting pregnant, or can cause very early losses continually, which is a big bummer (to say the least) so it seems like something to go ahead and do, especially since you guys have already done some testing (in fact I'm a little surprised that your doc didn't have you do this after the 2 mc's- although I know often they wait until after 3, which is nuts, to do as broad of testing as they should).

2) I can't comment on the Clomid... not sure what you should do there.

3) A lot of women get OPK packs on the Internet - check Amazon. Wondfo seem to be the most popular / reliable, at least by word of mouth.

4) Dieting tips: if you are at a healthy weight, then from what I know, you should just do your basic "eating healthy" stuff - vegetables and fruit. A lot of women have recommended green tea for CM (cervical mucus) production - if you want to avoid caffeine (which a lot of women do with TTC) then you can get decaf green tea.

5) I have read that taking Vitamin C can help you regulate, if not increase, your progesterone levels (you want them high-ish to help build up your uterine lining). Also your husband-to-be should take Vitamin C and Vitamin B. Having said that, you should definitely be taking a prenatal vitamin while TTC, and that should have all that YOU need (I guess you could do an additional Vitamin C)- just get your hubby to take a daily vitamin.

These are my thoughts- I am not a medical professional (ha ha!). Just an obsessed reader / self-educator about all things TTC-related! :)
 

[Stevi]

My best advice on supplemts is to take them daily, do not skip any. I take mine (I take other things for my lungs) with breakfast and dinner, so I never forget. It becomes as much of a habit as brushing your teeth.

[jpack]

Do you chart your cycles, cecelia7? I see that you take your BBT, do you keep a chart? I think there are some great ways to support particular problems, and charting is a great way to get a sense if you have something particular going on.