High FSH menopuase at 32?

[janemelbourne]

Hi,

I stopped taking the pill in August 2006 and started having reg. periods every 40 days give or take a few days. After Christmas we started trying to get pregnant and got pregnant in May. 7/8 weeks later I miscarried. After 3 months with no period I went to the doctor and got the following blood results:

FSH  60.9 U/L
LH     17.2 U/L
Progesterone    1.2
Oestradiol       46 pmol/L

My GP spoke to an endocronolgist and I am now taking Primulot N to bring on a period.

Does this high FSH mean I am in menopause? And if yes how could i get pregnant 5 months a go?
Will I be able to get pregnat again?
What if I don't get a period after Primulot?
Is it possible to have a high FSH as a once off and it be meaningless?
I have just turned 32

Very scared.

[carina1]

I'm 34 and have a fluctuating FSH.  I don't want to provide you with the wrong information, so I'll tell you the little I know.  Please talk to a reproductive endocrinologist-- this is the "fertility specialist." They will run you through a battery of tests that can more accurately determine what is going on.  Also, it is important to test FSH on Day 3.  I'm not sure when your testing was done.  FSH is the hormone that stimulates our ovaries to produce mature follicles that contain the eggs needed for fertilization.  A high number may indicate a diminishing ovarian reserve-- the number is high because the brain is releasing a lot of hormone in an attempt to have the ovaries respond.  In my case, it is genetic as determined by testing.  My mother had an early menopause, so it looks like I may be headed in the same direction.  Prior to entering menopause, our FSH levels fluctuate, so one month it can be "normal," another month not.  Unfortunately, one bad number is indicative of the situation.  
I just completed my first IVF cycle.  I produced 13 follicles, 9 of which contained mature eggs.  So, it's not that we don't have any more eggs!!!!  I did have to take a high dose of medication, but it was fine.  Unfortunately, my cycle was unsuccessful.  I think the fact that you got pregnant, even though you miscarried, is a very positive sign.  I have never gotten pregnant, except for a chemical pregnancy.  Please stay on top of this and be assertive in your approach-- time is VERY important in these situations.  You're still young and are already trying to figure things out.  Please see a fertility specialist, instead of just your OB.  They will be more aggressive in their approach and their testing.  Good Luck and please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.  

[janemelbourne]

I really appreciate your comments. We don't know where in my cycle I was when I got the high FSH. I am now on Primulot to induce a period to have the tests on the correct 3rd day. And I have an appointment to see an endocronologist. In my favour is that my mother went into peri menopause late forties, and did not hit menopause to her fifties. Do you have regular or irregular periods?

I wish you the best of luck.

[carina1]

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.  To answer your question, my period was regular-- every month a few days apart.  Prior to beginning my IVF cycle, and right after a few months on clomid, I had a VERY short cycle of 17 days.  I feel like that may be happening now as well-- this is the cycle after IVF.  I'm hoping it's because of all the hormonal changes and nothing worse.  Anyway, sorry to make a short answer long.  I'm glad you're following up and you're right, very good news about your mom's history!!  All the best to you!!  Keep me posted.  

[Chookdee]

Hi Jane. I noticed your name. Are you Melbourne Aust? I'm in Adelaide SA. I'm not 100% sure but, like carina1 said, FSH is usually checked on day 3. I'm 34, been trying to conceive for 18 mths, 6 of those on Clomid due to my irregular cycles and inability to ovulaute on my own, had lap surgery and am booked in for my first IVF appt in 2 wks. My Obyn advised that the IVF unit will most prop want to try sooner rather than later. My FSH is getting to a problematic level ( it was 11, 6 mths ago ). Like carina1 said, it is a great sign that you have gotten preg!  But, if I were you with that FSH level, I';d be asking for a referral to a specialist. All the best!!

[carina1]

Sounds like we are in a similar situation-- same age, same FSH level, and about the same time trying to conceive.  I wanted to wish you well.  If there's anything I would have done differently, it would have been moving on to IVF sooner-- I had 4 IUI's before my IVF cycle.  Of couse, hindsight is 20/20 and I would have been thrilled if the IUI was successful. I would have also looked into acupuncture to complement the IVF procedure.  All the best to you.  Let me know how things are going.  
Carina  

[ashort]

I'm 30 and also got pregnant in May and had a m/c during week 7.  I also haven't had a period since.  I had a D and C on June 19th and still no period...  Before my m/c I was having my period every 35-38 days.  My RE said that 38 is pretty long but maybe I'm not ovulating consistently.  I really can't give much information on the FSH levels or anything...I'm not really familiar with them.  My doctor checked my HCG and progesterone.  My HCG is still 18 and my progesterone is low.  Maybe you still have some HCG in your system??  Did they test that?

I went to the RE last week and he was very helpful.  You should definately see one if your not already.  They will definately help you figure out what's going on...good luck to you!.

[janemelbourne]

Has anyone taken primolut N to induce a period? If yes, how many days after you stopped taking the pills did you get your period? I am going to see an RE...waiting waiting. Sooo stressfull..will keep uupdated and I really appreciate everyone's comments..thanks 4 taking the time

[janemelbourne]

Well I have just got back from the RE and the news is definatly not good. My FSH has dropped to 30 (day 3) however the provera was not that effective. I now have to take BCP and the best possible scenario is that my day FSH will drop and I have just had some wierd cycle and if that is the case I should go straight to IVF. But if my FSH does not drop there is nothing they can do. Full stop.No there is donor eggs. The RE could not even see my ovaries.

Also I have read on the internet that if you have poor ovarian reserve your eggs are usually too fragile for IVF...

I can't believe this is happening. I am only 32 and I do not want to use donor eggs.

I should be 5 months pregnant now.

So begins major stress...any thoughts, comments, experience would be appreciated...

[Chookdee]

Hi Jane,
I'm really sorry to hear of your situation...Lets hope and pray that the BCP can reduce it further, it has halved already so don't give up hope...Have they given you a reason for the high level at your age? I have read that problems with the thyroid can cause it...gee, not that it really matters........

I read on the internet that the success on IVF with high FSH levels is reduced, but not impossible and that was mainly due to the reduced number of eggs available rather than the eggs being too fragile...I may be wrong tho...

I came across at website, www.pofsupport.org that you may want a look at

Be agressive, ask questions and try your best to think positive.

[carina1]

Hi, Jane
I'm just reading your post.  I'm sorry that you are so upset.  I know the feeling, especially when we are still on the young side of all this.  I am glad your RE is recommending IVF-- that's the most aggressive approach.  I know that many RE's feel that poor ovarian reserve imay indicate poor quality eggs; however, I think the newer thinking is that age is more an issue than a high FSH level.  I hope they have checked your thyroid because that's a culprit in many infertility issues.  I had half my thyroid removed last year and although my levels are "normal," I often wonder if that has anything to do with my problem.  I did have genetic testing done that indicated an increased likelihood of premature ovarian failure-- that's a long story and really doesn't change much in way of treatment.  I know "my friend" stories can be infuriating at times like this.  But.....  I do have a very close friend who had a high FSH (23) and was 40 and had twins on her first IVF attempt.  There's a forum for women with high FSH and you should read all the success stories.  I'll have to get back to you with the exact site.  You have age on your side, be aggressive, be positive and stay focused.  I know this is a completely overwhelming experience. We are here for you.  I wanted to ask you, how long have you not had your period?  I'm not familiar with provera or the use of bcp to induce a period?

[carina1]

Sorry, I just went back and read your initial post-- it's been three months since your last period.  Keep us posted.

[Mags2626]

Hi There All,

I was googling sites on FSH resources, and came across this site. I am 26 and have an FSH of 90. It really is devastating, especially since my partner and I both want (biological) children. I have an appointment with a very good endocrinologist in a few months, as now I am enjoying a break from being poked and prodded and am in Europe :-) Has anyone tried holistic approaches to bringing down their FSH? Anyway, I also wanted to remind everyone that it is imperative to take vitamin D and calcium supplements, especially since FSH is so closely linked to lower estrogen levels.

Best Wishes,
M

[Mags2626]

wow, just saw these posts are quite old! Is this forum still open?