abnormal hormone levels

  On November 2, I went for my annual gyn checkup.  I am 47 and had not had a period since mid-June.  On November 6, I learned that my HCG level was 28,000 and was told to come for an ultrasound November 2.  The ultrasound showed an empty uterus and I was scheduled for a laparoscopy/laparotomy that afternoon.  At the hospital, the HCG level was found to be 3.  The procedure was cancelled.  I am to have tests repeated on November 13 or 16, including FSH levels, which I am told are elevated.  However, I'm told they are normally elevated during pregnancy.  
  I don't understand why I would have had such a highly elevated HCG level, and why it would have dropped so fast.  The doctor thinks its a chronic ectopic pregancy.  I also wonder when, or if, I am likely to experience a normal menstrual cycle.  My husband and I abandoned attempts to have a second child about four years ago and now are wondering whether to try for an intentional pregnancy.
  And of course, the underlying anxiety I have is whether some sort of tumor or other problem might be producing these hormone results.
  Susan
Dear Susan:
I am also confused by the sudden drop in the hCG level: a third measurement would be the arbitrator as to whether the value is truly high or low.
An FSH level is normally very low, almost unmeasureable, in pregnancy. A high FSH level fits with a decline in ovarian function as occurs with the transition to menopause.
An ultrasound image, besides showing the empty uterus, can also demonstrate a chronic ectopic pregnancy.
Keywords: hCG, FSH
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