Pregnancy Chances in PCOS with Recent Weight Loss and Regular Cycles
Your chances of pregnancy this cycle are reasonable—likely in the range of 15-20% per cycle—given your significant weight loss achievement, return to regular ovulation (evidenced by consistent cycles and elevated BBT), and well-timed intercourse during your fertile window. 1
Why Your Pregnancy Odds Are Favorable
Weight Loss Impact
- Your 75-pound weight loss (23% reduction from baseline) substantially exceeds the 5-10% threshold that restores ovulation and improves pregnancy rates in PCOS 1, 2
- Even 5% weight loss improves spontaneous ovulation rates and pregnancy outcomes in obese women with PCOS 3
- Weight reduction directly decreases androgen levels and improves the hormonal environment for conception 1
Evidence of Ovulation
- Your cycle regularity (28-37 days) for the past year strongly suggests you are ovulating, as regular cycles typically indicate restored ovulatory function after weight loss 1
- Elevated BBT in the luteal phase (97.89°F on cycle day 28) supports progesterone production from a corpus luteum, confirming ovulation occurred 4
- The presence of egg-white cervical mucus around days 14-16 further indicates an estrogen surge preceding ovulation 1
Optimal Medication Regimen
- Your myo-inositol supplementation provides ovulation enhancement with pregnancy rates equivalent or superior to metformin, without the gastrointestinal side effects 1
- Levothyroxine management of hypothyroidism is critical, as uncontrolled thyroid disease impairs fertility 4
- Your metabolic parameters (A1c 5.5%, glucose 100 mg/dL, improved lipids) indicate well-controlled insulin resistance 5
Current Cycle Assessment
Symptoms Suggesting Possible Implantation
- The 2-day duration of intensified cramping with pelvic pressure/stretching sensation occurring 10-12 days post-ovulation aligns with the typical implantation window 1
- Cramping before expected menses (rather than with bleeding onset) differs from your usual pattern and warrants consideration of early pregnancy 1
- Sustained elevated BBT beyond expected menses is a strong indicator of pregnancy, as progesterone remains elevated only if conception occurred 4
Testing Recommendation
Test with a sensitive home pregnancy test (≥25 mIU/mL sensitivity) now, as you are 2-4 days past your expected period. 1 If negative, repeat in 2-3 days if menses has not started.
Critical Metabolic Considerations for Pregnancy
Immediate Medication Adjustments if Pregnant
- Continue levothyroxine and increase monitoring, as thyroid requirements increase 30-50% in pregnancy 5
- Continue myo-inositol, which appears safe in pregnancy and may reduce miscarriage rates 6
- Discontinue Adderall immediately upon positive pregnancy test, as amphetamines are FDA Category C and associated with potential fetal risks 5
- Continue Plaquenil only after discussion with your rheumatologist, as hydroxychloroquine decisions depend on your specific autoimmune condition 5
Pregnancy Risks Requiring Monitoring
Women with PCOS face significantly elevated pregnancy complication rates that require vigilant management 7, 8:
- Gestational diabetes risk: 31-35% in PCOS versus 5-9% in general population—requires early glucose tolerance testing at 16-20 weeks, not just standard 24-28 week screening 5, 7
- Preeclampsia risk: 2-3 times higher than women without PCOS—monitor blood pressure at every visit 7, 8
- Miscarriage risk: Potentially elevated, though your weight loss and metabolic control mitigate this 7
- Preterm birth risk: Increased in PCOS pregnancies 8
If Not Pregnant This Cycle
Optimization Strategy for Next Cycles
Continue current lifestyle and medication regimen, but add clomiphene citrate 50 mg daily for 5 days (cycle days 3-7) if pregnancy does not occur within 3-6 months of trying. 1, 2
- Clomiphene citrate achieves 80% ovulation rates and 50% conception rates among ovulators in PCOS, making it first-line pharmacologic therapy 1, 2
- Letrozole represents an alternative with superior live birth rates compared to clomiphene 1
- Your inability to use LH strips (due to chronically elevated LH) does not impair conception chances, as BBT tracking and cervical mucus monitoring adequately identify your fertile window 4
Metabolic Surveillance
Despite your excellent weight loss and metabolic improvement, obtain repeat fasting glucose, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, and lipid panel every 1-2 years, or yearly if any values worsen. 5 Your previous insulin level of 30 (elevated) and current glucose of 100 mg/dL (upper normal) warrant continued monitoring, as PCOS women progress from normal glucose tolerance to impaired glucose tolerance at rates of 5-15% within 3 years 5.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not delay testing: Early pregnancy confirmation allows for immediate medication adjustments and appropriate prenatal care initiation 5
- Do not assume regular cycles guarantee optimal fertility: While your cycles indicate ovulation, conception rates per cycle in healthy couples peak at only 20-25%, so multiple cycles of trying are normal 4
- Do not discontinue myo-inositol: Unlike spironolactone (contraindicated in pregnancy), myo-inositol appears safe and potentially beneficial 1, 6
- Do not wait >6 months to seek fertility treatment: At age 27 with PCOS, if pregnancy has not occurred after 6 months of timed intercourse, initiate clomiphene citrate rather than waiting the standard 12 months 1, 2