Your experience of Steroids and metphormin in IVF FET cycle

[Hope-and-faith]

Hi ladies I’ve had my 5th embryo transfer in the beginning of January and I was gobsmacked when I got a BFP. Unfortunately we had scan today and I’ve miscarried at week 6/7. I have 4 frozen embryos left but am losing hope. Don’t know what to do as don’t know if it’s a fail due to chromosomal abnormality or if it’s my immune system or something else.

Was considering immune therapy this time but my clinic said they did intralipid injections for over 7 years and didn’t see any significant results. They have however suggested steroids - have anyone had any experience with steroids?

Also a few years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS and the fertility consultant at the time suggested metformin. I’ve stopped taking it a while ago as felt it made zero difference however am considering restarting it for the next cycle. Does anyone have experience of metformin with or without steroids?

[Shinyhalo1]

Hi, sorry to hear about the miscarriage babes.... big hugs! X

I was on Metformin for a time during my 2nd cycle of IVF. They use it for implantation and also to encourage better quality of your eggs. Beware of the side effects though and if you do suffer make sure the doctor tries to put you on a different brand etc.

I struggled for 3 months on them before coming off.... tiredness, chronic diahorrea, headaches.

Sorry to be a negative nell but I don’t know many people that have had a ‘good time’ on them.

Have they spoken to you about Prontogest injections? I still seriously think that they are what got me and kept me pregnant at the time.

Hope everything works out for you! Xx

[Hope-and-faith in reply to Shinyhalo1]

I’ve tried metformin before and also had upset stomach on it. I’ve not been given prontogest but have been taking lubion which is projesterone. I’ve asked to be tested for it projesterone levels but my clinic refused it.

[Hidden]

I'm so sorry to hear about your miscarriage,I know how devastating it can be after a much longer for BFP.

I'm gearing up for my 6th transfer begin of April, I suffer with allergies and was convinced it was my immune system that was my issue so I had a Chicago blood test, it's very expensive but shows I do have issues so the last 3 cycles I have been on high dose steroids and also have Intralipids, sadly I've had a MMC and 2 chemical pregnancies, the consultant said last time my progesterone was on the low side so they are also adding in an injection along with pessaries this time. I'm also going to be having clexane injections.Have you had your progesterone levels checked with previous transfers?

I've also started accupuncture, trying to keep stress to a minimum (where possible) and I have a consultation with a nutritionist next Sat to discuss my diet as my tests also showed I was TH1 dominant, I'm hoping this will all help,we only got 2 embryos this cycle and we will be using our last one in April.

Wishing you the very best of luck xx

[Hope-and-faith in reply to Hidden]

Best of luck for your transfer in April!

My consultant said she doesn’t think my progesterone will be low because whenever I go through the cycle my period only comes on a few days after I stop all the meds and never within the 2 week wait. It’s frustrating as I wish they would just check it instead of guessing.

My clinic also doesn’t offer Chicago test - I wish it did. I’ve never tried steroids but will give it a go for my next transfer.

I also plan to take aspirin to thin the blood although I have had tests n don’t have blood clotting issues I’ve read it improves pregnancy rates so will give it a go.

Not 100% sure on metformin still. My consultant doesn’t have a robust plan for me as far as she is concerned it’s just bad luck. I can’t handle emotionally having another fail and want to do all I can for the next transfer.

Xxx