when should I test my LH?

Question

This is our first time actually ttc and I'm about to wrap up my cycle. I have pcos and want to try and track my ovulation. I bought some LH tests and want advice on when I should start testing it?

Thanks!

Answer

I have PCOS and my specialist let me know that unfortunately OPKs don't usually work for people with PCOS because we often have elevated levels of LH. I still test because I'm a crazy person and I'm hoping for a miracle, so I totally understand, but just wanted to be sure you knew they probably won't be accurate and not to be surprised/worried.

But anyway, you would take them after your period in the morning and evening each day and when the test line is as dark as or darker than the control line, that's your LH surge.

My tests show a surge about half the time and I don't ovulate due to the PCOS 😕

Answer

PS here are photos of my recent tests from this past month - as you can see, there are a lot of "positive" tests, but my specialist confirmed that I have not ovulated.

So the tests are showing the LH surge but with PCOS that doesn't necessarily mean you ovulated. I still do the tests in the hopes that maybe one day I actually will ovulate on my own and I don't want to miss it (we have lots of sex lol). I'll be starting treatment soon, though.