Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Reply:

Dear Michael,

I believe at the ultrasound clinic they said that there were approximately three fibroids between 2-4cm. To me that sounds rather large, but noone has really explained what this means. Not that big but estrogen dominance will cause them to continue to grow.

Yes, I have attempted only one cycle of IVF unsuccessfully. I am about to commence another in a few weeks and wasn't sure if I can continue with the cream at the same time Absolutely it’s safe, however if you are spending the $$ doing the IVF you would be best to advise the clinic of your intentions. . To be honest, I am not sure about asking the doctor about the cream, as last time I asked a GP he wasn't at all enthusiastic and dismissed the idea (I think from ignorance more than anything else as he wasn't aware of the product or its applicability) I’m sure you are right.. You mention that 10% cream is required instead of the 3.5%. Is this what is recommended for IVF patients? Following egg collection I was given progesterone pessaries, so can I still use the cream during the IVF cycle? Yes it will add top the effects of the pessaries. I believe I had very good progesterone levels at the time (100>)however it just wasn't successful for whatever reason. I have no history of miscarriage, have never been pregnant and I guess compared to many who have had repeated cycles of IVF we are novices when it comes to it all. The pessaries provide a short term progesterone high, but when stopped the progesterone does not remain residual in the body. I believe you are overall progesterone deficient (the fibroids are testament to this) and you need to “load” you system (every cell in your body) with the adequate progesterone. I believe your best chances of successful IVF treatment is to load progesterone into your system over the next 3 months (minimum) to 6 months then start the IVF if you haven’t already fallen pregnant.

My menstral cycle has been very light and short (2 days at most) for many years now, so, it kind of goes against all the symptoms from what I understand of fibroids (heavy bleading). Heavy bleeding with fibroids doesn’t necessarily follow until they become bigger. Plenty of women have fibroids (small ones) and don’t show any symptoms. When I raise this issue with doctors, they don't appear to think it is relevant, however, I assumed that having a decent lining of the uterus would be very important to conception 100% correct , but then again, I am not a doctor, so I am only guessing. To be honest, we didn't know which doctor to approach re IVF so it has all been a case of just having a go with someone in the hope that we get advice and assistance from someone we can trust. I have also read different postings on the internet about different clinics and doctors. It can sometimes feel that perhaps you shouldn't ask too many questions of a doctor because after all "they are the experts", not us garbage – it’s your body and you’re paying them – ask every question you have and if they don’t give you a sensible answer tell them you don’t understand and explain it again. The science is not that difficult to explain. I'm sure it is just because they are just so busy, but I feel it is important for us to understand all variables that may impact upon or prevent a potential pregnancy and to at least consider anything that may assist towards achieving a pregnancy. I’ve dealt with plenty of women who have been through the IVF mill and spent many many tens of thousands of dollars with no success and then fallen pregnant and carried full term using natural progesterone purely because the progesterone increases their fertility. I’m not for a minute suggesting progesterone is the cure for all fertility ills because quality of eggs and many other factors come into it, however your clinic would have checked sperm and egg quality, your uterine lining and fallopian tubes etc prior to the first procedure. If you’re not in a mad rush I’d address your progesterone levels first before the next treatment round – at least this way you will have eliminated one variable.

Hope this helps rather than confuses.

Anyway, thank you for the information.

Kind regards,
San