Normal FSH at age 44

[AZ Angie]

I am 44  (45 next month) and have had 2 miscarriages as some of you have read my posts.  I am trying to get pregnant naturally, and have not seen an RE yet as my insurance does not cover it.  I found an OB who is not opposed to the idea of pregnancy at my age (as 2 others were), and had some tests run.  My day 3 FSH is 6.5 which seems surprisingly good, and progesterone (on the same day, follicular phase) is 0.7 and estrogen is 48.  Does anyone else have any ideas?  Does this mean that I still have plenty of eggs, but they are just old?  The OB just said it looks like  I can still get pregnant, but I would have to be concerned about Down's -- that's it.  Seems too simple...

[RunningL8]

Congratulations--that's a great fsh score!  Also, my recollection is that the Down's risk at 45 is something like 1 in 20, so it's not too bad.  But my understanding is that egg quality is based primarily upon age--which, of course, is beyond your control.  I have a friend who had an fsh score of 7, and had two miscarriages and four failed ivf cycles (with her own eggs) at age 44-45; she finally is having a successful pregnancy with donor eggs.  At this point, an RE probably would not be all that helpful to you anyway; you might be able to talk him/her into ivf with your own eggs, but the success rates at 45 are still really, really low (I think 1%) and of course, you'd pay a lot out of pocket.  It seems that since you can't do anything about your age, and all factors are in your favor, your best bet is to just keep trying!

[AZ Angie]

Thanks BG.  I knew you would respond with some encouragement.  You're the best!    I understand that the odds are low for success but at least I found  something concrete in my favor. Well, today I'm feeling lucky, so we'll just keep trying.   I wish you lots of luck too.

[Chookdee]

That is a great fsh level!..Breathe a sigh of relief, you have plenty of eggs, but yes they are just old. Like BG MN said, just keep trying at this stage..My Aunty conceived naturally at 44 yrs and had a healthy son, who is now 13yrs...I am 34 with fsh at 11. Egg quality may be ok but quantity on the way down. I was very lucky and conceived without ivf, only 25mg of Clomid, but took 18mths...
Wishing you all the absolute best!

[RunningL8]

Hi Angie -- After I wrote the last comment, I thought of something else to add, which might be a reason that ivf with your own eggs would actually work for you.  Just before my recent second pregnancy/miscarriage, I was going to try ivf with my own eggs (the RE was willing to override his rule of no ivf on a woman over 43 with her own eggs); it was a long shot, but we have insurance that would cover most of it.  In the preliminary ultrasound/test transfer, the RE looked at my resting (maybe called antral?) follicles and wished I had more, as the number of follicles you have affects ivf success rates.  You may already know all of this, but apparently there is a group of antral follicles that arise before you ovulate every month, and your body selects the best egg from that group, and that is the one you release when you ovulate.  When they do ivf on an older woman using ivf, they hope to get lots of follicles/eggs in a given cycle, and they fertilize all of them.  If they get 7-8 embryos, they put them all in at once, and hope one embryo has good chromosomes.  With your great fsh, you would probably respond really well to the ivf medications and get a lot of embryos.  (That is what happened to the friend I mentioned, which is why she kept trying ivf with her own eggs, but in the end it still didn't work.)  The costs, of course, are huge, so that is a big downside.  The advantage is that you get a lot of tries by using several embryos all at once.  Right now I'm between ovulation and doing an hpt (the long wait), and if we're going to do the ivf cycle, I have to let the doctor know immediately.  My husband doesn't want to do it, and I'm leaning that way also, though I go back and forth.  (My husband doesn't like the idea of creating a bunch of embryos and putting them all in, as he's worried about multiple births, embryos with problems, etc.; I'm feeling like we need a miracle egg anyway, and the process can't really help that happen, so why not wait for the miracle?)  But I did want to say that in your case, the fact you have lots of eggs left, even if they are older, is an advantage whether you do ivf or try to conceive naturally, as the more eggs that come up for selection each month, the better the chance your body will pick a great one :)!  Sorry this got so long!  

[AZ Angie]

No, it was not too long. I'll read anything I can get my hands on at this point. I so appreciate it!  I have been reading and searching alot lately.  I have read conflicting information about the chances of success at age 44-45.  It seems to be a pivotal time.  One thing was especially curious.  I read that the fertility years are about 30 years total.  I entered menarche at a late age -- 18.  So, in keeping with that, I should be fertile until about age 48.  That would be great -- give me a few more precious years.  But then I read later that the younger you enter menarche, the older you are when you enter menopause.  It doesn't add up, it seems...

I also searched for information regarding FSH and its impact at different ages.  Some information revealed that not only quantity, but quality as well corresponds to a low FSH.  There is some good reading at the site www.ucsf.edu.  I found it when googled "FSH levels advanced maternal age"

What I plan is to take every bit of positive information to heart, and just keep the rest in mind. I want to be hopeful, but also realistic.  I hope to become one of the success stories like Chookdee's Aunty.  I think you will too, BG.  If good carma comes back to you, you've got it made.   Thanks

[LJ307]

I'm 42 yrs old and trying to concieve for the 1st time.  I had FSH levels done about 6 months ago and my level was 3!!  I've had 2 unsuccessful IUI's since Oct. and am trying again this month.  Just recently had another FSH level blood test, still waiting for results.  My dr. recommended an Estradiol test also.  I'm not sure exactly what this is, but I think it helps to identify how viable our old eggs are!  Has your dr. suggested or done this test?

[belinda31160]

hi angie - i was 43 when i had my last child (after a number of miscarriages) - born naturally and healthily!  i did not have the perfect fsh levels, or any perfect anything for that matter!  what i did have was a certainty in my heart that i had not finished having my children (i had two sons in my 20's).  having said that, i am now trying - 47yrs - for my fourth child.  my confidence and faith is weaker.  this kind of forum is fantastic and there are angels like BG! (although she is too modest to accept this!) and many others on this site alone.  in seeking, i have found a whole world of female fellowship and therein, miracles.  i know this is kind of spiritual response, rather than a practical one, but you know, if you are trying against the 'natural' odds for miracles, then i think we have to be more open to the supernatural.  interestingly, blessing women with babies when they are older, is something that clearly God liked to do!  so, anyone with reservations about the rights and wrongs of women having babies later in life, has some pretty weighty biblical/moral truths to do battle with. a bit of a waste of energy seeking the planet for negatives, if you ask me.  when faith is weaker, as mine as been, it is so good to take heart from others - especially 'fighting' women. we don't give up easily and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to our children - those born and as yet unborn!  we can be warriers!  there is immeasurable power in prayer, particularly when we extend ourselves in numbers, to petition and pray for one another.  together, we are also educating one another (in many instances, accumulatively, we often know more than the medics).  whether it be through facts, stats, experience, advice, passing on the names of good authors or encouragement, we are creative, creators, going forth and multiplying.  

[AZ Angie]

Thank you!  It's just what I needed to hear--and others as well I'm sure.  You put it --- so right.  I'm really looking for spiritual support right now, I think. Like you I am a fighter, and I have high hopes I will win this contest against the odds.  I am trying to do everything right or even possibly beneficial.  The only thing I need is a slight blessing, or you might say blessed luck.  I just need that golden egg.  I am just learning to pray, so if you will ask a blessing for me, I will plead for you and BG and others.  I know we will make good mothers, and the earth will benefit by our children -- a sort of -- return on the blessings so to speak.  I am now in the 2ww after O, though I didn't catch O this month, I guess it came early.  I just wait for any symptoms as I am very in tune with my body.

Keep up the faith
Angie

[AZ Angie]

I'm sorry about the miscarriages.  If your FSH is good, that's a good sign.  The estradial is the estrogen level.  It is important, because if it is elevated, then it will falsely lower your FSH.  That is probably what the Dr. is looking for.  Let me know how it comes out.

[LJ307]

Result came from cd 3  FSH = 16  Estradiol = 60.      I'll do the test again on cd 10.  Has anyone had a successful pregnancy with FSH of 16 or higher?

AZ a good website that might help answer your question(s) is:

http://www.danmartinmd.com/fshcct.htm

[belinda31160]

hi angie,  i hope you are staying encouraged.  when you mentioned waiting for symptoms of ovulation, i wondered if you may find it helpful to take your temperature to more accurately plot the best times for conception.  'recognising' ovulation can sometimes be just that little bit too late - no matter how in tune you are with your body.  also, temperature reading helps you to better understand your body and the sometimes more irratic cycles we can have at our age.  if you want help with this method, let me know.
of course, praying a blessing for you would be an honour.  all the best, belinda x

[AZ Angie]

Your Estradial is good, right in the target range, but this time, your FSH shows high.  I've heard it can flip-flop a bit as you pass your mid to late 30's.  To answer the question regarding pregnancy, I know that from reading this forum, I have heard about many women who got pregnant with high FSH. There is a forum very specifically for that at www.network54.com.  Thanks for the website, I will check it out
A

[AZ Angie]

Hi Belinda, I actually meant that I will wait for sx of pregnancy.  As far as ovulation, I did test this month, but I started on day 13, and missed it.  I really don't like to spend alot of money on testing stuff, we just time BD.  I do know how to do the temp check though, I just have to get the right thermometer, and remember to not fly out of bed in the AM ( the usual roadblock).

Hope you're having a good day today
Ang

[mature momma]

Hi Angie,
I am 46 and TTC for 1yr now. Your numbers sure look GREAT!!!! I also had great numbers. We tried on our own for awhile then went to IVF with our eggs then IVF with donor. We are trying again in Feb. with donor eggs. BG was talking about antral follicle count, there is a website: st. louis infertility clinic that has some great info on that. It tells how they can count your follicles put them in a formula an figure how many years of fertility you have. Check it out. Good luck.
Debra:)

[LJ307]

Thank you for the website also.  I'll check it out.   I go in this Saturday for  cd 10 FSH - Estradiol  testing.  The results will be compared and hopefully I'll go in for IUI a few days later.  My 21 day progesterone levels have been between 12 and 30, so I guess that means I am ovulating.  

Angie I hope you get that golden egg this month!!

[WonderGirl16]

You spoke of Down's Syndrome. I just wanted you to know that Down's can actually occur in someone who  has young parents too. My sister had Down's Syndrome. She passed on New Year's Day '07 at age 40. It wasn't Down's Syndrome related though. But anyway, my mom and dad were both 21 when they had her. So try not to worry about that aspect of pregnancy. It could happen at any age.

[AZ Angie]

Thanks for the website.  I love reading more than just the generic stuff.  

I am happy for you that you will be trying donor eggs.  I read your posts as you were considering it, and comtemplating.  I'm glad you came to a decision and are going ahead with it.  I'm sure its a difficult and expensive decision.  I mentioned above that we are only going to go natural.  I didn't mean that anything else is unnatural, and as I read it over, it seemed that I put it wrong.  I guess I should have wrote "au naturale", meaning we can't really afford anything but the good old BD method.  If we were in a different financial position, I wouldn't hesitate to try anything and everything. because I just feel that there is a baby that still belongs in our family.  For now, we know the chances of a normal pregnancy are slim, but we have good vibes....so we just try to make everything in our favor, to the best of our ability

[AZ Angie]

Hi LJ.  Thanks for the good wishes.  I'm thinking positive thoughts for  you as well.  Let me know how your day 21 comes out

[AZ Angie]

Hi Belinda,

Hope you are well.  How are your symptoms?  Did you ever have a BFP show up?

I have some wierd symptoms right now.  The most prominent is the strong metallic taste in my mouth.  Feels like I'm sucking on a penny, and can't spit it out.  I'm also having mild pelvic cramping, and very slight breast tenderness.  This could very well be from elevated progesterone of the luteal phase, but I can't help but think of other reasons...  I am only on CD 21, but I think I ovulated early this month about CD 11 or 12.  Just hoping and praying

Angie

[MelzieWelzie]

Hi Angie,
I also went through 2 m/c's and am currently 14weeks pregnant.  I'm 43 (44 in 2 months).  My FSH levels were not as good as yours--8 and my resting follicle count was 13.  The nurse commented that I must be doing acupuncture for my RFC #'s to be so good at my age--and she was right.  After they ran numerous tests on me and found no fertility issues, I requested that they test my husband who is 45.  They found that he had a sperm morphology issue.  Without going into the details, our RE was a total jerk, and we weren't quite ready to try IVF.  So, we decided to try some natural methods on our own to increase our chances of getting pregnant.  We both took Daily Wellness Blend for Fertility (There's one for men and one for women.  You can find it online.).  Also, for the sperm issue we increased our frequency of sex and he kept the hot computer laptop off of his lap--in other words made sure he kept the "boys" cool.  After doing these things for 1 month, we got pregnant and thankfully it's sticking this time.

I'm not sure if this info will help or not, but I thought I'd share just in case.  I really feel that the acupuncture increased the quality of my eggs.  (I started acupuncture after the 2nd m/c.)  I also feel that the fertility supplements helped us both.  If you're husband is open to it, I believe that acupuncture can help sperm quality also.  My husband was about to start acupuncture when we got pg.  If you decide to go the IVF route with your own eggs, I also belive doing these things in addition to the IVF can increase your chances of success.
I hope you get your bfp soon!
Melanie

[LJ307]

Thanks for sharing your story.  I'm 42 and love hearing about women in their 40's who've had successful pregnancies.  I had my FSH checked in March of this year (was 41 then), and it was 3.  I've been on my 3rd cycle of Clomid and had a cd 3 test, it was 16 (estradiol 60)!  So, I am VERY worried now.  I'm still waiting for results of my cd 10 FSH check.   Do you know if Clomid raises your FSH?

Congratulations on your pregnancy.
I am going to look into acupuncture.  I've heard lots of wonderful things about it.

[MelzieWelzie]

I never had the Clomid challenge test done--so I'm not familiar with the #'s or how Clomid effects your FSH level.  Sounds like your FSH was awesome back in March.  I hope you get pregnant soon!  
Melanie

[AZ Angie]

Thanks for the encouragement.  I am so glad your baby is doing well, and will be watching for updates.  I love to hear the happy endings, as LJ says.  It keeps my faith up.  

As for acupuncture, I had an appointment last month, but had to reschedule.  I found a woman in Tucson who specializes in fertility issues, and I talked to her on the phone.  She sounds very understanding, and competent.  I will try to see her before the holidays.   I am much more motivated after reading about your experience.  I'm also going to get the Daily Wellness Blend. I think my husband will go for it.  The hard part is trying to get him to kick caffeine -- he loves pepsi.  I know that in Oriental medicines, its clear that caffeine is very bad for your  body in general, but especially for the endocrine system.  
Good wishes,  Angie

[LJ307]

I'm very confused, disheartened and sad.  I just got my cd 10 FSH level test and it is 25.  I'm 42 years old, never had children or been pregnant.  Can anyone share an experience with high FSH?  I've been looking on-line and the data is very confusing.

[AZ Angie]

I'm sorry you are feeling discouraged.  I think its normal for your FSH to be high at this age.  Its also possible that the clomid has upset your system to some degree, and I'v read that it can take up to a few months or longer for your body to return to its norm.  I've read that acupuncture and chinese herbs can help you get back to a good baseline.  You should look into it.  I'm going to.  Google clomid with regards to age.  I have seen quite a few things saying that it shouldn't be used after 40. Are your seeing a RE or just a regular OB?

In any regard, just remember, FSH is only a number that speaks to the number of eggs in reserve.  Yours is slightly elevated, meaning you have slightly fewer eggs.  It doesn't nean that you have passed thru menopause, or that you have no chance of getting pregnant.  It just means that it will be more work, and take longer.

My sister is 42, and she gave birth to a perfect girl 4 months ago.  She was done having kids 13 years ago, but had a change of heart and decided to try again.  The first month she went off the pill, BANG, she was pregnant -- and blissfully ignorant of all WE go thru to get pregnant.  So I know first hand, that it does happen.  And another thing -- 44-45 seems to be the most common age for reproductive function to take a big dive downhill.   So I wouldn't waste time.  Think strong.  It will happen.

Best wishes

[LJ307]

Thank you for the encouragment.  I do feel the Clomid had upset my system because my FSH was so low just 6 months ago.  But, the clinic said at my age, those levels do rise dramatically from month to month.  All the research I've done leaves for little hope for anyone with FSH above 20, it is  0 - 2% chance of success.  

I am seeing an RE on Jan.10 and will listen to what he/she has to say.   Though again, all of my research indicates chances are extremely low, slim to none.  I am single, have a very modest salary as a school teacher and don't see any possibilty of financing donor eggs.  However, I will see the RE and see what he has to say. I'm home from work today just to recoup from the devastation of yesterday.

[RunningL8]

Hi LJ-- Don't despair--you never know what blessings the years to come will bring your way.  Four years ago, I was also 42, single, and longing to be a mother.  The next year I met the most wonderful man, and we married two years later (when I was 45, at which point my chance of conceiving was said to be 1/2%).  Since then, I've had two natural pregnancies (and sadly, two miscarriages), but together my husband and I can afford both to adopt and to pursue donor eggs, if needed (though not in the same year).  Of course, I have no idea whether you are even looking for a relationship, but I guess my point is that circumstances can change in a relatively short amount of time, and you have another eight years to qualify for and figure out how to finance donor eggs, if needed.  And in the meantime, there are always exceptions to statistics, so don't get overly focused on the numbers!

[LJ307]

Wow, your story really does offer me some hope.  Part of the devastation I felt yesterday was I couldn't see any hope for the future.  I'd given up my hope of marrying and settled for being single Mom, then that hope was dashed so it was certainly a devastating day for me.  I would love a relationship and am looking.  But, that area of my life is going about as well as fertility.  (-:

Thank you for sharing your story.  If I were married donor eggs and adoption would definitely be options for me financially.  I guess I can try to find the bright side - now I can spend my extra money getting debt free instead of financing a child.  

Are you currently pursueing donor egg and IVF?  
You mentioned 8 yrs.  Do clinics still offer IVF with donor eggs to woman in late 40's?
Lisa

[RunningL8]

Hi Lisa,

I believe it is standard for REs to offer donor eggs to women up to age 50, so long as you have no major health problems.  (There are also options to adopt infants internationally up to at least age 50, although this is often actually more expensive than donor egg ivf.)  We have an international adoption in progress and the timeline is uncertain, so we are going to wait until after that is done to probably try donor eggs.  Or we might do a second adoption.  In the meantime, we are still trying to conceive naturally; as I said, I seem able to get pregnant, but we really need a "miracle egg" to actually have a baby with my own eggs.  Thankfully, although we really want to be parents, it is not a big deal to us to have biological children, so we have opted not to do ivf with my own eggs, even though we could have most of it covered through insurance.  Anyway, you might ask your own RE what is the age limit of his/her clinic for donor ivf, what are the health requirements, and especially, do they have any "shared risk" financing options.  In the latter, you pay more for a given cycle, but you are given a money-back guarantee if it doesn't work, so then you can afford to try again or adopt.

I do have some unasked-for advice on how to find a great guy to marry :).  I actually spent my 42nd birthday going through yet another break up, and I was afraid I was too old to find a man who would want to try to start a family with me.  But I also had to admit that I was going about dating all wrong, in that I kept getting involved with men who said they wanted to marry someday, but in the end there was always some financial, career, or emotional reason they couldn't or wouldn't.   (In my particular case, I think I had my own fears of commitment, which caused me to pick men who had similar fears.)  Anyway, I decided to go places where men might be who actually wanted to get married.  So I joined an online dating website, and I went to a lot of church singles groups for singles over 35 (lots of large churches offer singles activities, and you don't have to go to the church to participate).  And I met many wonderful 40-something men who actually wanted to get married, including my husband!  I decided I would have at least 3 dates with any guy who seemed decent and wanted to take me out.  Also, the minute I realized a guy wasn't marriage/father material, that was the end, regardless of my feelings.  By the time I met my now-husband, I had a lot of dating options, so I wasn't at all desperate.  Neither of us knew immediately that this was "it," but he was a nice guy, so I kept getting to know him.  (I have a friend who is 48 who is now taking a similar approach to dating, and she is also finding, to her surprise, that she has a lot of great guys to choose from!)  Judging from your picture and what you say, you seem to be a lovely person; just tell yourself there's a nice husband out there for you, keep putting yourself in places where quality single men go, and I'm sure you'll find him!

[LJ307]

Wow, thank you for your post and advise.  Your post gave me the first smile I've had in a few days now.  I am currently on and have been for some time now a dating website.  I have tried a couple of different ones, I go back and forth after getting frustrated with one.  I too made the same deal with myself that I would give just about anybody who seemed decent a 3 date try.  Even so, I have maybe 2 or 3 communications that seem ok enough to even date once much less 3 times.  I've recentely changed to a different site after being frustrated with the one I was on.  I know a big part of the problem for me is of course "me".  But, I feel I've made peace with and solved my obstacles and it is only a matter of meeting the right person at this point and not investing in wrong choices.

Regarding fertility,   I'll be making a list of questions to take to the RE in Jan.  Though, the research and info. I've obtained thus far is a bit bleak.  

I am so happy for you that your life is turning out the way you've wanted it to.  Your story truly does give me inspiration.  Thank you for sharing it!   I really hope, you have a bouncing baby in your lap by next Christmas.  (-: