Any (non-prescription) suggestions to bring on O????

[Cassie R.]

Does anyone have any suggestions that can help regulate a cycle and make ovulation occur? I've done clomid for three cycles now, and two of them have caused a cyst on the non-ovulating ovary (e.g. this month, I O'd from my left ovary, but now I have a cyst on my right ovary). I'm waiting for the call back from my doc, but I know she will not start me on clomid again. She'll probably recommend bc to help resolve the cyst, but I'm not sure if I want to go that route again. So I was thinking maybe I'll just try a natural cycle, but since I don't have regular O without the clomid I thought it would be worthwhile to see if anyone had any suggestions for OTC/non-prescription methods to help encourage O.

[BC-Maura]

HI Cassie: I've heard of women taking Vitex to regulate their cycles, but I don't know how much or if it works... have you posted this question on the alternative remedies bb? You may get some ideas there in addition to those you get here!

Good luck and I hope you can get your cycle back soon++++++++
Maura

[bmwbrandi2005]

Cassie... i used herbal supplements this month- I'm not sure if i can attribute my bfp to them or not- but this is the first month that i have used them regularly throughout my cycle- and here i am (cautiously expecting).

here's what i took, how i took it, and how it helps...

~80mg of Black Cohosh twice daily (cd1 til O ONLY!! (should not be taken after O because it causes uterine contractions which can stop implantation from occurring!!! ) *Black Cohosh contains phyto-estrogens and has the ability to occupy estradiol receptors. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and possibly helps low/regulate LH levels. last month this was the ONLY herb that I took- and that was the first month I O'd on CD 14! not sure if it had anything to do with this or not... but this month I didn't really take it that much - every couple of days- and my O day was alot later... maybe it helps you O earlier.... not sure though!! !! if you do decide to take this herb- please be careful... I am pretty sure that last month I might have been pg
but this herb caused it not to implant (as i took it AFTER O) ..because i do remember severe cramping about 8dpo ... i stopped taking it- and it, and the cramping went away- then I ended up having a very painful AF...

~500mg of Alfalfa once daily (cd1 til O only!) *alfalfa alkalizes and detoxifies the body, making the body more sperm and estrogen friendly thus improving cm. it also eases inflammation, lowers cholesterol, balances hormones and promotes pituitary gland function. it also purifies the blood

~500mg of Evening Primrose Oil twice daily (cd5 til O only!) *EPO produces essential fatty acids which help to rebuild and produce new cells, the body uses essential fatty acids to produce substances which send messages that trigger hormone production necessary for a successful cycle

~450mg of Licorice Root twice daily (cd9 thru cd15 only or 7 days prior to your predicted O day!< i started taking it cd9 because i know i O later in my cycle) stop taking it after O or after 7 days... do not take it for longer than 7 days as it raises your blood pressure! *Licorice root has estrogen and progesterone like effects. it cleanses the colon, decreases muscular spasms and increases fluidity of mucus, it improves the quality of mucus and lengthens intestinal cell life)

~drink 1 cup of Lipton Green Tea daily (cd1 til O!) Green tea is reputed to contain the highest concentration of polyphenols, chemicals that act as powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Green Tea also helps improve cm!


~1000mg of Flaxseed Oil twice daily (O til AF or BFP!) *to continue a steady flow of essential fatty acids

~300mg of Vitex with Dong Quai twice daily (O til AF or BFP!) *Vitex stimulates and normalizes pituitary function of the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland in the brain and promotes ovulation. For PMS, menstrual cramps, menopause, post birth control pill re-balancing. May restore normal periods in women with amenorrhea (lack of menstrual periods). *Dong Quai is used as a female hormone regulator, it alleviates cramping and pre-menstrual distress. *Dong quai can also tone a weak uterus by promoting metabolism within the organ, regulating hormonal
control and improving the rhythm of the menstrual cycle.


~50mg of B6 twice daily (entire cycle)
~81mg of children's aspirin once daily (entire cycle)
~prenatal vitamin once daily (entire cycle)

hope this helps you in some way!! best of luck to you... and please remember to use caution when trying herbal remedies... and do your own research before trying anything! see what's right for you!

[Cassie R.]

Wow, that's quite a list! Thanks! We have a really good health market here, and I think I'll stop in and see what they think about your suggestions. I'm also going to ask if they have something that might help insulin resistance, since I think as a PCOS'er, that probably plays into it, too. I'll let you know how what I end up taking!

[Cibele]

Brandi my dear, you so deserve your BFP, I am not even close as committed as you were to the cause.All the best on your pregnancy.