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1293529 tn?1325184540

Worst Doctor Ever

I went to the Doctor and explained that my DH and I have been TTC for 6 months and my cycles are all out of wack.  I didn't even have a period this month, just spotting.  I got the doctor to do some blood tests and my TSH are a little high but still normal.  I felt it was my Thyroid since my mom has Thyroid problems too.  Well, he said that there is no way it is my thyroid.  This is what my doctor said is wrong with me:

"You are just fat...obese actually and that is why you can't conceive a child.  You need to starve yourself if you want to lose weight and have a baby.  Everytime you look at food, think to yourself, would I rather eat this or conceive a child."

Needless to say, I started crying and all he said was "the choice is yours".

So, now I come to you all and ask, is it really because I am obese that my periods are irregular, I have not ovulated all month (based on OPK), I did not have a period this month and have not been able to conceive?

I know I am overweight, I will not deny that at all.  I am about 250 pounds and am 5'10" tall.  I have been trying to lose weight, but I have to believe there is more wrong with me than that.  I know women bigger than me who have had no trouble at all conceiving multiple children.

Also, please know I am already in the process of getting another Dr.

Any advice or insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Best Answer
231441 tn?1333892766
Hi,

that doctor is a total "a-hole!

How high was your TSH.  A slightly high TSH is always a cause for concern when trying to get pregnant.  You need to be tested for TSH again, along with FT3 and FT4.  Both of these should be in upper 1/2 of the reference range.  TSH should ideally be 1 - 2.  If not, you need treatment for hypothyroid.  Your doctor should also be testing for thyroid antibodies.

Hypothyroid can also mess up your periods.

Hypothyroid, even 'mild" does make it much harder to lose weight.  You need to follow this aggressively.

You also need to be tested for your blood glucose.  Best to test HA1C.  

You may well have PCOS.  Do look it up.  Treatment is metformin.  This is a safe drug and also helps some to lose weight.

On the weight side that horrid doctor was partially correct in that being overweight does significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant.  My Obe is insistent I try to get my weight down as part of TTC.  And it is very hard.  I am now put on a meat and veges diet (low carb).



4 Responses
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778044 tn?1299542934
Wow - I'm surprised that clinic gets any business with the way they treat their patients.  I'm so sorry!!

I looked up on google obesity and the ability to get pregnant, and came up with a few websites, so take a look:

http://infertility.suite101.com/article.cfm/obesity_and_infertility
http://www.thehealthcarecenter.com/infertility_caused_by_obesity.html
http://www.sharedjourney.com/infertility/obesity.html

Best of luck to you.  I hope you are able to figure something out, and find a doctor that is willing to help you and that is kind!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry you doc was such a jerk.  When you get a new one you should be tested for PCOS if you have it weight could be a BIG factor in ovulating or not in your case.  PCOS also causes Irregular or absent periods and some times annovulation.  You need to get tested if you have PCOS it is treatable and yes losing weight is PART of the treatment but many women with pcos are normal weight like me.  Hopefully that helps some, oh and if you do have PCOS you need to see an RE (reproductive endocrinologist) your OBGYN will tell you they can handle it but don't listen!!  You would need a specialist.  good luck hun.
Helpful - 0
631676 tn?1333718203
Sorry he is such an a-hole!!!! I do not know about weight and periods. But I myself got preg easily 15 pounds ago and now I cannot. Everybody is different and I feel this may be a problem with me personally. I have been working out for about 3 weeks now with a trainer and I feel that at least I am trying to eliminate this as a factor. It may be all in my head but I want to know that I am trying to be healthier and happier.
Helpful - 0
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