FSH - help me understand...

[TonyaB]

After having two miscarriages recently we visited with a fertility dr who suggested my progesterone may be too low to support a pregnancy.  He also suggested getting a FSH level on CD 3 which will be Thursday.  I will then go on CD 12 for an ultrasound to check the folicles.  I was curious what the FSH is looking for, and after a quick search on the internet I'm not sure how this test is going to help me?!?  It sounds like this is more helpful for women who cannot conceive or are older and may be going through some hormonal changes that could affect their fertility???  Why am I doing this?  What is the benefit?  Sure it will be fun to see the folicles, but is it necessary considering my insurance isn't covering this?

[tina1111]

Sometimes, even when you are young you can have high FSH. This can definitely hamper fertility. He will probably also test E2 and Lh. The test is just a blood draw and can tell a variety of things. It is commonplace to start with these tests and work from there. My insurance is pretty crappy, but it does cover all bloodwork. Are you sure yours won't? Mine doesn't cover the u/s, I have to pay $150 each time.

[carina1]

Hi!  I am 34 yrs. old and have and probably have had a fluctuating FSH for a while.  This hormone stimulates your follicles to produce follicles which contain the eggs.  A high FSH indicates diminishing ovarian reserve, or premature ovarian failure in which the ovaries are no longer producing eggs.  In my case, the cause is genetic and there was nothing I could have done to prevent it.  Although it is highly unlikely that you have this problem, it is important that they do the day 3 bloodwork to check your hormone levels.  As far as I know, this is generally one of the first tests they do.  Good Luck!!!!

[TonyaB]

I'm just surprised that I would be doing this test given that I've been pregnant three times so it would seem to me that I am operating correctly!  :)  They don't have me scheduled for any other lab work at this point and I think they would have given me that info if they wanted additional bloodwork since I'm having the labs done closer to my house.  Their clinic is a two hour drive for me so they have given me an order to take elsewhere for the labs.  I'll be returning to their clinic for the mid-cycle ultrasound though, so maybe they will have me do something then?!?  This is a whole new world for me!

[ayg67]

Even if you have had children in the past, your hormorne levels can change. I had a child at 25 yrs old and at 31 my FSH rose in the high 90's.  A high FSH makes it difficult to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term.  The FSH test is very indicative of your ovarian reserve.  You did not mention your age, age plays a big part in the equation.
If your FSH comes back high, it is very useful that you check this website www.highfshinfo.com  I hope that your FSH levels are normal.  Best wishes to you.