Estrogen Question

Hi Everyone!!!!

First, I am new here to the forums and just wanted to say hello to everyone, as well as good luck with any BFP tests coming up or current Cycles/up-coming Cycling =)

DH and I have been doing IVF and just finished our first cycle. Although my body was responding in the right ways to the treatment, my estrogen level didnt climb up the way it ought to have =(  

I did BCP for 20 days proir to starting the IVF medications. BCP can suppress the estrogen. Our next cycle in a couple of weeks (C2) will be without the BCP and just the IVF medication. RE is going to treat our next cycle more like a natural cycle and see what happens. He said he has hope because I did respond, but just my estrogen was climbing to slow.

I am 46, but never had a problem with estrogen levels before. Just wanted to know what you ladies, that may have experience this before, have to share in knowledge/experience.

As well, is there anything extra I can do to help with my estrogen level during treatment? *this question shot in the dark, but worth asking =)  *

[SDteacher]

My RE has me on Vivelle.  I believe it is estrogen in a patch form.  I wear 2 on my belly and change them every 3 1/2 days.  They kill to take off!! (See my other post!)  I am 35 and just had my 1st IVF.  I did not do BCP.  I did estrace which supresses the follicles so that they will all grow at the same rate once stimulated.  They want them to be around the same size for ER.  Is that what you meant about "supressing estrogen?"  Anyway, ask about the vivelle if your estrogen is down.  I am dreading putting on new patches today only b/c that is 2 more I have to take off.  Ouch!
Hope that was helpful.  SSBD!