Natural remedies (WWYD?)

So, even though I'm only 5dpo, I just have a feeling this is not my month (of course I hope I'm proven wrong, but I can accept it if it isn't).

So I'm sure you've all seen my numerous posts about my LPD. It's 9-10 days, with spotting even earlier. Test showed normal progesterone until it peaks at 7dpo, then plummets. So basically I'm falling a little short. Doctor's prescription is low-dose (25 mg) of clomid day 3,4,5. He basically gave me the option of when I want to start. Even though I went off the pill last May, he said this can still be part of the getting my cycles back on track process. After reading this board, I will insist on being monitored if I chose to do clomid, but at this time I'd like to stay with my regular doc (I know, I know many of you have strong opinions on RE, but bottom line is DH and I feel comfortable with this doc--for now.)

So I told DH that if I see the slightest bit of improvement with LP this cycle--even just a day longer, I'll hold off. But if not, part of me is ready to move forward with clomid because I'll be pi$$ed if months go by and it doesn't improve and I've had the cause and cure (if you can call it that) right in front of me. DH seemed surprised that I was ready to turn to drugs already (we've "officially" been trying since July but I don't think I O'd until Sept, then have had short LP since then).

So while B6 and then B complex for many months has done jack for me, today I'm wondering if I should fully exhaust the natural route first: Vitex, acupunture, progesterone cream, before turning to clomid?

I'm just curious what you would do if in my situation?
TIA

Message edited 2/3/2010 11:44:18 AM.

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

I don't know anything about any of the natural remedies you mentioned or clomid for that matter, however, for me I think it would be a decision based on time. I am in my mid-30's and TTC #1. I feel like I don't have time to waste, especially because I would ideally like to have more than one child. That being said, I am also not one to jump into taking medication. I think the best thing that you can do is, if you trust your doctor, to discuss the alternative options to clomid with your doctor and see what they have to say and then make your decision based on that information.

HTH!

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

Thanks for your input!
I mentioned vitex last visit and he basically said, he hasn't seen enough research to suggest it will make a big difference. But I feel like when talking about eastern medicine with most MDs, they're almost always going to believe the drugs are better. He did say if I wanted to try, it certainly couldn't hurt. He also didn't feel like Vitamin B6 would do much, and since I'm taking it since October, I have to agree. It seems to help some people, but not me. Even though my levels were normal in first part of the cycle, I believe that my issue stems from egg quality, which is why it's not pumping out adequate progesterone in 2nd half

I'm about to turn 30 and DH is 32.

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

i think you should try the progesterone cream before jumping to clomid...................
have you been to an RE yet? I think I would go that route before jumping into Clomid as well...........don't know much about clomid, but I know that it needs to be closely monitored, and you can only take it a certain number of times. And actually, it can make conception a little harder in certain circumstances because of it's drying affects.

do you temp?

and don't stop taking your B-complex!

Message edited 2/3/2010 1:28:17 PM.

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

Thanks for your response! I don't temp and would rather not do so. My ovulation has been confirmed the past 2 cycles via blood tests ordered by my doctor. I use OPKs and also have a very clear pattern of CM (wet, EWCM, then dry) that all support that O on CD20. Even if I'm a day off, it's still too short

The 2 main treatments for LPDs are progesterone supplementation (prescription pills and suppositories) and clomid. My dr. prefers clomid for my situation b/c I don't need additional progesterone for the bulk of my luteal phase. He'd rather stimulate the corpus luteum to produce more progesterone on its own--the low dose clomid will enhance my egg quality. I have done my own research on this and have even spoken with a RE (not in NY) that's a family friend of my close friend and he usually treats LPDs with clomid. My DH and I both feel very comfortable with my doctor. He is not the type of gyno that hands out clomid like candy. This was his prescription after many tests. We've been dealing with this issue with him since sept.

I'm just more of a "natural" medicine girl myself. And DH hardly ever takes anything more than Advil, so of course, we'd like to conceive w/o medication, but if this doesn't lengthen on its own or with help of natural aids (progesterone cream, etc), I believe Clomid (or some type of drug) is in my future whether it comes from my dr or whether we see an RE. I can't see an RE telling me to go the natural medicine route.

As I said in my original post, if I go on Clomid, I will be monitored. It's 25 mg--most people start out on 50, there's an even slimmer chance of side effects.

Message edited 2/3/2010 2:04:06 PM.

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

Posted by MayBbaby21

Thanks for your response! I don't temp and would rather not do so. My ovulation has been confirmed the past 2 cycles via blood tests ordered by my doctor. I use OPKs and also have a very clear pattern of CM (wet, EWCM, then dry) that all support that O on CD20. Even if I'm a day off, it's still too short

The 2 main treatments for LPDs are progesterone supplementation (prescription pills and suppositories) and clomid. My dr. prefers clomid for my situation b/c I don't need additional progesterone for the bulk of my luteal phase. He'd rather stimulate the corpus luteum to produce more progesterone on its own--the low dose clomid will enhance my egg quality. I have done my own research on this and have even spoken with a RE (not in NY) that's a family friend of my close friend and he usually treats LPDs with clomid. My DH and I both feel very comfortable with my doctor. He is not the type of gyno that hands out clomid like candy. This was his prescription after many tests. We've been dealing with this issue with him since sept.

I'm just more of a "natural" medicine girl myself. And DH hardly ever takes anything more than Advil, so of course, we'd like to conceive w/o medication, but if this doesn't lengthen on its own or with help of natural aids (progesterone cream, etc), I believe Clomid (or some type of drug) is in my future whether it comes from my dr or whether we see an RE. I can't see an RE telling me to go the natural medicine route.

As I said in my original post, if I go on Clomid, I will be monitored. It's 25 mg--most people start out on 50, there's an even slimmer chance of side effects.

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

You may want to try and find an herbalist or do some reading before trying anything homeopathic. Most OBGYNs aren't familiar enough with these kinds of remedies to offer any guidance on what to take. The wrong herb can cause more harm than good, just like if you took someone else's meds.

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

I just read your posts and you could have written my situation. I'm debating the Clomid route as well. My OB/GYN suggested that I cut down on my exercise routine and see if my LP adjusts naturally.

Re: Natural remedies (WWYD?)

Interesting! How much do you exercise if you don't mind me asking?
I workout 4-5X a week, but try to go high intensity when I do - spinning, running, and strength, though I haven't been running much this winter.