what does the estrogen level mean???

This is my first month on Follistim AQ.  I started day 7 of my cycle, after 5 days of Femara beginning day 3.  Today, day 9, I had my estrogen level drawn.  I was supposed to hear from the MD about whether to adjust my Follistim dose today based on the level.  I know my level was 123, but WHAT does that mean?  Does anyone have any idea what it should be?  Last cycle, we just did the Femara for 5 days, and had 2 follicles, but neither was mature enough to go any further.  I am just anxious to know if the levels are low, high, good, bad, and if my dose for this evening needs to be adjusted?!?  Anyone have any similar situation?

[Helen72]

Your e2 levels should be about 400 per mature follicle.  If your e2 is too high you may be overstimulated.  

[bamsgrl]

Thanks for responding, but I am still confused.  The MD finally called back and told me to continue with 2 more doses (total of 5) at the same amount (100iu), and he would do an us/and another est level on Tuesday.  According to them, my numbers are on course.  I just don't know how much they should increase daily, and since an "oncall' MD called back yesterday, they were unfamiliar with my chart & history.  But, thanks again for answering some of my questions.

[Helen72]

I think that E2 levels depend on how many mature follicles your RE wants to see by the time of ovulation.  My RE expected high e2 levels after 5 days of Gonal-F but that's because I was doing ivf.  So, he was expecting 10 or more follicles.  They also don't want e2 levels to be too high since that would indicate OHSS.  I hope Follistim works for you and you will have a few nice follicles by the end of this protocol.  I'll be looking for your update tomorrow.  I hope your e2 keeps going up and your follies keep growing!!

[nene157]

A related discussion, what does the estrogen numbers mean ? was started.