high fsh levels...now what?

I'm 25 and haven't had a period since September. Bloodwork came in and I have high fsh levels. Everything on the internet regarding this is really making me nervous. I just got married and we wanted to wait a few years to have kids. Now it may be too late?!?! Ugh. Please help ease my mind.

[silver82]

Hi what does FSH mean thanks

[shayla1]

can I ask just how high your FSH was??? Let me know then I might be of some help.

[hopingforAF]

FSH = follicle stimulating hormone

My dr didn't say what the actual # is. She wants me to come in next week to discuss things.

[LJ307]

How high is your FSH?   You're right, high FSH isn't a pleasant thing.  I just got my results back myself.  CD 3 = 16  and cd 10 (after taking 100mg Clomid) = 25.  These are both not good.  But, what makes mine worse is that I'm 42.  You are so young that there are lots of things that can be done about high FSH at your age.

I'm no expert by any means, but all that I've read on-line indicates chances are very good for you because of your age.  Again you didn't mention how high your level was.  Anything below 10 is great.  10 - 15 makes pregnancy more challenging.   16 - 20+ means your chances are very, very low.  (Though pregnancy's do occur).    Basically a high fsh means your pituitary gland is having to work extra hard to get those follicles developing and moving.  It also means your supply is running low.  

Were you on any medications such as Clomid when you had your fsh test run?  That can raise your level.  Also, what are your other levels prog. & E2?  Those levels make a difference as well.  I have an appointment with a fertility specialist in Jan. and hopefully I'll be learning more about this.  I'll pass on any info. I get to you if it might be helpful.  I assume you are seeing and RE?  If not please make an appointment with one ASAP!

Take heart. You've got age and technology on your side.  I'm sure you will acheive your dream - though it may take some work and perseverance.  

[hopingforAF]

Thanks for your response LJ. I don't know the actual #, but I had just finished provera a week before I had the bloodwork drawn--could it still have been in my system?

Sad thing is--I was having these problems two years ago and my gyno at the time just threw me on birth control pills. Ugh.

Thanks for providing me with some hope. Most likely, after my next appt (next week), my gyno will refer me to a RE.

Damn pituitary gland!

[tina1111]

What day in your cycle did they do the draw? That can make a huge difference, too. At your age, I would lean more toward a gland issue rather than diminished reserve. I wouldn't worry yet. There are lots of factors that raise FSH, it's not a death sentence for sure.

[hopingforAF]

I have no idea what day it is in my cycle, as I haven't had a period since September.

[HeathJo]

Hey there--you sound a lot like me. I did not have a period from April until August, and I had to take Provera to get it. I had this happen maybe three times since I was 16 years old, but not until this year, at age 36, was I told tha my FSH and LH hormone levels were "switched." Basically, my LH was an 8.6 and my FSH was like a 1.8 (I think that is right, can't remember). I just got married in July of 2006, and we were ready to start TTC. I have 11 years on you so I can relate to feeling like time is not on my side.

The great news is you know there is an issue now, and you are addressing it. Plus, you found this forum, which is an AWESOME resource! :-)

[hopingforAF]

Thanks HeathJo. I appreciate your feedback.

I'm hoping that when I go to my appt next Thursday, its not as bad as I am making it out to be.