elevated fsh level

My husband and I have been trying to concieve (conceive) for for about 9 months. I went to a fertility specialist last week and had my 3 day cycle test. I got the results and was shocked to learn that my FSH level was 20.4. I am 37 and very healthy. They are suggesting an egg donor or adoption. I am having a hard time with this. Does anyone know if there is ANY chance I could use my own egg or would that be having false hope?

[shesherm]

Im not sure about FSH but I wanted to tell you my heart goes out to you and I hope you find some answers.  best of luck SSBD

[jifnif]

I'm sorry.  I have to go for an FSH once my cycle returns to normal after an ectopic.  this is my fear as well.  I dont know much about it, but maybe take some time to think about it and relax.  Maybe ask to get it tested again next month.  I have read that it can fluctuate, not sure to what extent.  My husband said that if we cannot get prego that we can adopt.  I am not sure I am ready to face that problem yet so my heart goes out to you.  :)

[RunningL8]

I think you should get a second opinion from a different Reproductive Endocrinologist.  You are still fairly young, so your egg quality should be okay; I would think ivf with your own eggs would be an option for you.  (Egg quality based on age is ultimately more important than fsh, which measures egg quantity.)  Also, you should look for previous posts in this forum by "Wendy G"; she is 43, got pregnant naturally (but sadly miscarried), and now she is being offered the option of ivf with her own eggs.  My recollection is that her fsh has been higher than yours.  Or you could just post her a note in this forum and get her story firsthand....

[Chookdee]

Hi there. I agree with BG-MN. I think see a RE and give ivf a shot before donor or adoption. Id say there is definitely still hope, however time is important. Unfortunately one bad reading is an indication that your egg reserves are lower, however the results may vary from month to month.
My only reading back in Feb was 11 and I managed to conceive with on 25 mg of Clomid afeter a lap in August, so....I'd say you are a chance on ivf for sure.
There are ladies on the Fertility Forum who are younger than you and have had a lot higher FSH level than you, and some of them have had excellent results reducing their FSH through diet and acupunture, and were persuing ivf.
Wishing you all the best!

[Jillybean161]

Hi,

Thanks for your response as well as Chokdee's. This all seems so overwhelming, but I am thankful there seems to be people out there with positive thoughts. I have my appointment today( in a few hours) for an HSG and I guess we will get some more information at that time. It is SO hard to focus on much else at the moment .

thanks again,

Jill