High FSH, low AMH

[sherrin]

I'm 40, and was just told I had low ovarian reserve. I have a FSH of 12.5, and an AMH that is undetectable.  We are very sad.  I have used Clomid for 4 cycles out of the last 6 cycles.  On last ultrasound, MD said I either had some cysts or possible endometriosis.  Again devastating news.  MD put me on birth control for 6 weeks to see if the cysts go away.  My MD basically said there is little chance of me conceiving on my own.  Is there anyone that has been put on BC pills for similar reasons. I'm uncomfortable taking birth control.  I'm so discouraged.  Should we get a second opinion?  Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

[jeancNC]

Hello there!

I'm 36 and have no other detected issues except for low AMH. After 18 mos+ of trying to get pregnant and asking (along with my husband) my Ob-gyn over and over if there was any test I/we hadn't taken to determine the cause of my infertility, her nurse finally suggested I take the AMH test (we had already done four rounds of Femara). It came back very low (some call it "undetectable").

Last month we did our first round of IVF. Interestingly, before the IVF, a sonogram detected cysts which I had removed before IVF. The doctor said they may have been there 3-4 months. So, we did IVF and only got one egg that did not fertilize.

We are now on Femara again (doing 10 days this time instead of 5) and will probably do that for awhile as we ponder donor eggs in our quest to become parents. I feel lucky to have a wonderful husband...just wish I knew more abour donor eggs and whether or not I should keep trying to get pregnant. It's a confusing time...some days I feel like we can do it then some days I feel like being hopeful is unrealistic. Any advice/encouragement is welcome!!! Thank you very much!

[Alexis2358]

Hi, I had to smile at your post, cause its so similar to mine.   I just turned 43 in July and am currently 5 weeks pg.   My FSH at age 42 was 13.   I've been trying for about 2 years and have had 2 m/c.   My first one the betas didn't double right off the bat.   The second one they doubled, but started out pretty low (58).      I've used femara, gonal-f, ovidrel, have done 5 IUI's with no luck.    I get a couple follies, then I get cysts.   Its so frustrating.   Right before this current pregnancy, I had a big cyst on the right side.   They put me on birth control pills for 2 cycles.   At the end of the 2nd cycle they did and u/s and told me it was gone.   I started the femara again and told my DH, this is it, lets go the donor route if this doesn't work, cause I'm physically and mentally exhausted from all this.   On cycle day 10 I went in for an u/s and was told that they didn't see the cyst on day 3, but it was still there and now 39mm due to me injecting Gonal-F.   (wow, how'd they miss that).   Fortunately I had grown 2 follies on my left side.   I was devestated when the dr. in his pathetic voice said....hopefully the cyst won't interfere with the 2 follies".    I went home and we finalized our selection of the donor to use and called and put our name on the waiting list for her...first in line.     2 weeks went by and AF was a day late......hmmmmm.....   I took a test and bam...instantly the 2 lines appeared.   I actually had to look at it for a good 30 seconds to comprehend what I was seeing.  I was positive it wouldn't work and I'm pretty sure my dr had given up on me as well.    My first beta at 4 weeks was 314, 2 days later it was 850.   Nausea has come on with a vengence, so (cross your fingers), so far, so good.   I'm terrified every single moment that this could all slip away from me again.....but please don't give up!   I personally know the frustration you are feeling, but I got my BFP the very month I gave up the b/c pill due to cysts.   It CAN work.

[ramsky]

hello,

im 39 yrs old. my day 3 fsh this spring was a 24. i took l argine, wheat germ and royal jelly. it dropped from 26 to 16 to 6.5 (fsh will fluctuate anyway). My doc said he was willing to do iui and injectables with anything under 14.  So i think your still have a good shot.  I was supposed to start IUI last Jan but i had a cyst and the next month it grew and the next month a new one formed. I was told they go away on there own within a few months and they did or i could have used BC to help it long.  Once i got the FSH down i was able to do Gonal F and a trigger shot and IUI. I am 2 days past IUI and am in the 2 week waiting period to find out : ) Good luck! i was also told during the cyst to do an HSG test to rule out endometriosis and it came back fine.  I would try IUI as soon as the cyst is gone : )  

[emilymine]

I was 36 when my FSH was over 25. 12 is low, but you may still be able to use IUI or  IVF. I am now 40 and had to use a donor egg for a sucessful IVF. We are very excited about being preg after 4 yrs of trying other procedures. Don't give up hope for a baby.

[shuga1109]

Yes, Birth control definately helps with making the ovarian cysts go away.  I definately can vouch for that, as I went through it as well as many other women I know.  Also, avoid caffeine.  Caffeine plays a major role in cysts in the ovaries and breasts.  My sister, who has five children, has gotten her tubes tied.  She, too, has to take birth control just to control the cysts in her ovaries.  She is a big caffeine drinker though.  Im sorry about your bad news.  I will be 36 soon, and have been trying to conceive as well.  Unfortunately, I haven't been trying to conceive long enough for my obgyn to help me out yet.  Do not give up hope.  Miracles happen.  Ive seen it many times.  As far as endometriosis, many woman conceive with Endom.  Yes, it makes matter more difficult, but it does happen.  Please keep your head up.  Don't give up trying.  Be patient.  Take your Birth Control as directed by your physician, and see what happens.  YOu know what they say........women are most firtile as soon as they get off of Birth Control!  I will pray for you!!