Hormone Levels

Hello. I am going to be 35 in July and have been trying to get pregnant for almost a year now...I have seen a fertility specialist and had preliminary testing done. I will be seeing the doctor again to evauluate the tests and proceed on May 12th. I have talked with him a few times and he keeps reassuring me that I am fine and there is no reason to believe I can't get preganant. Of course because I am a doubting Thomas, I search these forums to "find" and answer, and I know every case is different. I am looking for some honest feedback before I see my doctor on May12th. I think if I call him again he is going to send me to someone else ;) Here are my results of diagnostic testing...I guess my worry is that my FSH, Estradiol, combined with the BAF's may show low ovarian reserve and poor egg quality which will mean no natural conception and a difficult time with IVF. Of course thats is my own amateur assessment...

Here are my Day 3 results
FSH-7.7
LH-4.4
Estradiol-98!
BAF Right-6
BAF Left-8
HSG found a small (doc said small) polyp on the right side of uterus which "may" be causing fertility problems. I have scheduled to have this removed after my next cycle begins.

I'd appreciate any feedback on these results. Thanks so much.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
You are correct that your estradiol level is higher than we would ideally like it to be.
Also, your antral follicle count is lower than is optimal to predict the best results for IVF.
These tests only do what they are designed to do though, which is to predict your response to ovarian stimulation with injectable medications.  They help us to determine which protocol to use for maximal success in the cycle.

They don't predict whether you are "fertile" or not, and all I can definitively say for sure is that you shouldn't wait any longer to "try".

Your FSH is lovely, of course, and if you really wanted to, you could consider having the anti mullerian hormone test (AMH) done, for another data point.

I definitely agree with removing the polyp.  And I'll tell you one other thing that I've noticed in my years in practice (for what its worth).  People who worry excessively about their fertility seem to be more likely to reduce their fertility.  I don't know if it is the stress hormones, or what, but I'm sure that you've heard the same thing ( or will hear it!)

So whatever else you do, have FUN trying for your kids, and eventually the future will reveal itself to you!

Good luck!
Dr B