Need some advice...

So I had a herniated disc last week that was so painful I needed to have an epidural steroid injection. My back is feeling ALOT better thanks to the shot, however, my spine dr told me that cortisone injections can affect your hormones and irregulate your period.

My periods have been irregular on their own to begin with bc I have pcos. My OB was just waiting for me to get my next period and then he was going to start me on my 1st cycle of Clomid. Of course this had to happen at the WORST time! But that's how life goes right?

So my question is, do you think I should wait at least a month or two to start Clomid to see how my periods are and give my body a chance to recuperate? Or should I just start it as soon as I get my next period? I just want to do the right thing for my body.

I'm going to talk to my OB about this too, but I know he will most likely tell me to do what I'm comfortable with.

Re: Need some advice...

When was the last time you got a period?

Re: Need some advice...

My last period started 2 weeks ago exactly.

Only thing is, even that cycle was irregular bc I had just finished my other period a week prior

Re: Need some advice...

Do you have insurance coverage? I would go to an RE if you have PCOS. They will check your levels and tailor the meds to your needs. The doc should give you provera and then can move on to giving you fertility drugs and monitor you.

But if you had 2 periods within 2 weeks, I have a feeling that one or both of them was not a real period- it was anovulatory bleeding.

Re: Need some advice...

as long as u r being monitored on the clomid as opposed to just taking the pills i would go for it

Re: Need some advice...

Re: Need some advice...

I also have PCOS and was in a car accident. I ended up needing several epidural steroid injections for herniated discs as well as an injection in my ankle.

Even though I was taking Metformin, my period was not regular nor did I ovulate. I gained weight and my sugar levels were higher. The steroids might not effect you much from just one injection, but it definitely effected me.

Once my body got a break, I did start ovulating with just Met and I'm now pregnant.

One thing to double check is that it's ok to conceive right away after the steroids. My endocrinologist wanted me to wait 6 months before getting pregnant. I asked my Orthopedist and Physiatrist, and they said to wait but much less time.

Again, I had several treatments so the amount you've had may not be a concern, but I would double check.

Lots of luck and hope your back feels better.

(on that note, one of the best things i've found to keep mine from acting up again is walking 30-45 min/day)