Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: abnormal hormone levels

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal


On November 2, I went for my annual gyn checkup. I am 47 and had not had a period since mid-June. On November 6, I learned that my HCG level was 28,000 and was told to come for an ultrasound November 2. The ultrasound showed an empty uterus and I was scheduled for a laparoscopy/laparotomy that afternoon. At the hospital, the HCG level was found to be 3. The procedure was cancelled. I am to have tests repeated on November 13 or 16, including FSH levels, which I am told are elevated. However, I'm told they are normally elevated during pregnancy.

I don't understand why I would have had such a highly elevated HCG level, and why it would have dropped so fast. The doctor thinks its a chronic ectopic pregancy. I also wonder when, or if, I am likely to experience a normal menstrual cycle. My husband and I abandoned attempts to have a second child about four years ago and now are wondering whether to try for an intentional pregnancy.

And of course, the underlying anxiety I have is whether some sort of tumor or other problem might be producing these hormone results.

Susan

Dear Susan:
I am also confused by the sudden drop in the hCG level: a third measurement would be the arbitrator as to whether the value is truly high or low.
An FSH level is normally very low, almost unmeasureable, in pregnancy. A high FSH level fits with a decline in ovarian function as occurs with the transition to menopause.
An ultrasound image, besides showing the empty uterus, can also demonstrate a chronic ectopic pregnancy.

Keywords: hCG, FSH

This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.


 

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