Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Very High FSH

I turn 35 next month. TTC for 3 years. My RE called with my Day 3 FSH blood results and it was 84, E2 was 44. I  did Clomid for 6 months, I have had 6 IUI, one ectopic pregnancy in March, Last month I did injectibles for the first time and my RE suggested to take a month off in between to give my ovaries a rest.  According to my RE he is baffled because I responded well to the injectibles and had 4 follicles, the dominant one was 20mm the day of my HCG trigger.  My RE commented that such a high fsh level could mean I am pre-menopausal! I am so heartbroken.  I am hoping this is just a Lab error....Any similar experiences both good and bad will be greatly appreciated.
74 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
hi hope, can you pls PM me so that I can have deep inquiry with you, my wife have somehow similar situation with you. Thanks... ***@****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Anyone who is experiencing infertility needs to be tested for Fragile X syndrome.  Carriers of FX have an increased chance of POF and a 50% of having a child with mental retardation.  Look into it. Please!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To all the nice ladies on this forum going through a scary and confusing time-My husband thinks I am a witch, not a bad witch, but a good witch (it is a joke between us) b/c whenever I think something to happen (good or bad), it happens.  And I just cast a good spell on you all with nothing but happiness and wonderful things to come to you because as I read your posts, they touch me b/c you are all so passionate and you deserve what you crave.  I really mean it.  He says I  am like 99.99% accurate with intuition, and get good vibes from you all.  Stay strong, positive and never give up hope! :-)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks...I appreciate it.  I am not freaking out anymore (well, alittle bit!).  I have Hashimoto Thyroidis and I am thinking that these irregular bloodworkups have something to do with that "evil butterfly" thing that has caused me so much pain and grief these past couple of years.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Sunnieaez,
If you goodle high FSH there are a couple of websites that will come up with a lot of info.

Also the Premature Ovarian Failure website is good. The link is above in an earlier posting.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
If anyone out there can give me some insight on this  I would greatly appreciate it.  I have no idea what to do and nobody I know has ever spiked such a high FSH and LH.  I haven't had a period since July 3 and was wondering if I am doing the right thing.  I went to an RE with lab reports (all were ok except the ones from 2 weeks ago) that say I am in menopause.  The RE gave me Estraidol and wants to do an internal sono....I am freaking out.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am in a similiar situation-33 years old and a really high FSH-do u have any info.?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your helpful and supportive comments!  And you were right - I shouldn't have given up because, as it turned out at my appointment, I DON'T have high FSH after all!  The readings over the last 2 months were between 7 and 8!  I asked the doctor if he would diagnose me as having high FSH and he said no, because my blood tests don't support that diagnosis.
I don't need to tell you how happy I am.  All my other blood tests came back as fine too.  My progesterone was 50 last month and 30 (boarderline apparently) the month before.  He was a bit surprised I didn't get pregnant last month given that 50 is a very good reading he said (maybe he meant for my age, as I am 37.5 now).  He doesn't feel that I need my lining or follicles monitored because I am only on 50mgs of Clomid (being a low dose).  The pain I have been feeling after ovulation is my ovaries being stimulated, and that is a good sign he said.  
Regarding my cycle length my doctor said that 26-27 days was ok - he had been referring to a shortening of around 24 days.  So, I am to remain on Clomid and if it doesn't work over the next 3 months he will try something more aggressive.  My next appointment is mid-Nov - hoepfully i won't need it!
I feel that I have been thrown a life line after receiving a terminal diagnosis - terminal in that he had such a poor prognosis for me ever being able to conceive again.
I only wish that at my first appointment when the doctor told me I had a high FSH (10.2 not 10.6 he now says) and had only had a 5% chance of conceiving etc etc, that he also said that this was only one reading and could fluctuate - and not tell me how i wouldn't be able to get pregnant again.  I haven't been able to really concentrate on anything else since - and haven't even been sleeping well.  The other interesting point for me is is that dispite the stress I felt, my body carried on and did its own thing regardless.  I mean, i didn't get pregnant (and at the time couldn't see that i could given the stress level), but despite all the anxiety and doom and gloom feelsings my blood levels for everything were fine, and i guess I could have.  Not sure if I have expressed that in an understandable way or not.
Anyway, the main thing is is that we are green to go!
I will let you know whether the clomid works or not.  I would like to say thanks again to you all for your support - I found it really helpful knowing that there were others 'out there' who knew and understood what DH and I were going through.  And I wish you well on your journeys.
Helpful - 0
200123 tn?1246874546
Hi alex. Keep your chin up. I had similar Clomid experiences in that my doc never did an u/s to check lining or follicles, and I did wonder........however she always checked my day 21 progesterone levels which were always VERY high ( which may have have given her an idea my lining would be ok ). Is your doc checking your prog levels to see if you're ovulating?
Also, my cycles were 26/27 days on Clomid ( as opposed to 20-23 days previously ) and I had one 31 day cycl as well. So I wouldn't worry about cycle length as long as you are ovulating.
I took 7 cycles on Clomid b4 I got my bfp, however I had the benefit ( for better or worse ) of NOT knowing of my high FSH level ( 11 ) tested prior to treatment starting. I also, thought as each month went by, I was never going to get my positive.
To be honest, if I HAD known about my FSH level at the time, I probably would've been more aggressive with treatment. I wish you all the best!!

( Btw girls, thanks for asking, I am 9 wks 3 days now and so far so good. Fingers crossed for the next 3 weeks! I feel very blessed...)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm sorry you are feeling so down. Don't give up-- FSH is highly variable and there are so many women who report pregnancies after having high numbers.  I responded well to the meds-- slowly, and with a lot of meds-- but they retrieved 13 follicles, 9 containing mature eggs, all of which fertilized.  The meds can really make a difference.  I would certainly seek out more effective treatments.  I had three dr.'s opinions and all said to do no more than 3 or 4 IUI's before moving to IVF.  About your cycle, I know how you feel-- the month after stopping clomid I had a 17 day cycle-- I was so depressed.  Since then, I haven't had such a short cycle.  In fact, with acupuncture (or at least that's the only variable) my last two cycles have been 28 days.  I do notice they are a bit on the lighter side, but at least I'm still cycling.  Be assertive, get second opinions, ask all the questions.  Be strong and stay positive-- I'll be thinking of you!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Second time I am writing this – the system lost the first version – Grrr.
Anyway the Clomid didn’t work for me again this month.  I have an appointment tomorrow with the specialist but given that Clomid works by increasing FSH levels, then my latest readings must be higher than the 10.6 I got 2 months ago.  I spend quite a bit of time wondering by how much (gulp).  My doctor is so negative about having a high FSH to any degree that I just know that as soon as I enter his consulting room he is going to say “Well, bad news I am afraid”  and will use the phrase “It is what I expected though” a couple of times.

I want to ask him why he isn’t offering me more aggressive treatment, like IUI or IVF which most other women with high FSH are undergoing.  Also the drawbacks of Clomid, like thinning of the lining – without monitoring how does he know this isn’t happening to me? And I don’t know what sort of response (if any) my follies are having to the Clomid because they also have never been checked.

I am now on my third cycle of Clomid and have no expectations of it working this month either.  The symptoms of a high FSH that the doctor mentioned last time – mainly a short cycle are now happening.  I seem to ovulate day 11 and my cycle is only 26 days now (after being regularly 28) – so I feel a bit down at the moment.  Also a friend my age has just told me she is 3 months pregnant – I am thrilled for her but it just adds to my anxiety about when it is going to happen for me!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
ALL the very best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, I'll be thinking of you and praying this is YOUR month.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey, girls!!!  I just got AF today, so I'll be calling RE on Mon. to schedule second IVF.  I feel much calmer this time around-- not as much anxiety about the meds, how to take them, how the crazy schedule goes, etc.  I'm happy to be trying again-- it will likely be my last fresh cycle, so I am just glad to be moving on-- hopefully, with a happy, healthy pregnancy and baby-- if not, at least we can move on with our lives in whatever direction that may mean.  I'm going to ask them if there is ANYTHING they can do differently-- with the meds or with testing-- that will make my chances any better.  I'm going to my regular endocronologist this week for additional thyroid testing just to be on top of that variable.  

Sorry I don't have much time to check in, but please know that I think of you both often and I'm wishing you the absolute best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Just remember all the ladies out there have beat the odds and have gotten pregnant with high FSH!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I forgot to add that my FSH of 86 last month seems like it could be an error.  I am going to get another day 3 FSh next cycle just to be sure
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Jane,
I was reading your earlier posts and your FSH was 60, with primulot you went to 30 and now its dropped to 22, hopefully the combination of accupuncture, wheat grass and all other factors will lower it further.  Your chances are low but there is still a chance- I know its hard to stay encouraged and positive sometimes- its only natural, but I keep reading more and more stories about women who go onto have pregnancies with high FSH.  I wish you all the very best for your next cycle.  Atleast they did see a follicle...are you cycling again?

I was quite bummed when the nurse announced that I had ovulated already... my first thought was "there goes another month!" Luckily we did BD on Monday thinking the iui would be on Thursday, when I found out I had already ovulated, we BD'd that day too.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Hope,
It sounds like you are doing really well. I don't see how that FSH of 80 something could be correct.

Thats great you have so many follicles...that was up from before when you only saw two...They could only see one on my ovaries..so I hope that will happen to me..

I saw my RE and she again said i have Premature ovarian failure and my chances are very low...

But we will try and do something next cycle.....

So I am trying to keep healthy and hope my FSH goes down more...

Did you manage to BD around when you ovulated? I hope so! Best of luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Jane- I am so happy for you!!!  stay healthy and keep doing what you are doing, I pray you have your twins very soon!  Carina's friend had a successful IVF the first time round with FSH of 23 so its very possible!! All the best!

Sarah- thank you for your good wishes. Hope you are doing well and enjoying your pregnancy!!

Carina- good to hear from you, how are you doing?

So overall I am relieved that my FSH is 7.7, I was taking follistim this cycle.  I went for an ultrasound on Monday and my RE saw 3-4 follicles ranging in size from 8mm - 14mm on both ovaries.  He also checked Estradiol.  Yesterday I went for another ultrasound hoping the IUI would be today, he checked Estradiol again. In the afternoon I got a call from the nurse saying I have ovulated already and the estradiol levels have fallen so to stop all meds and no iui this cycle :-(  But I am staying positive and when I read inspiring experiences from everyone I feel happy and hopeful again!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would love twins!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey, Ladies!  Very busy lately with little time to check forum.  So glad to hear both of your bloodtests came back with much better results.  Hope, I have heard often how FSH can fluctuate-- it can do so for years before menopause actually begins.  Jane, just wanted to let you know that one of my dear friends had twins on her first try with IVF when her FSH was 23!!!  It sounds like you are back in the game!!!  Take care all!!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Sarah,
How is your pregnancy going?
Hope you are doing well.
Helpful - 0
200123 tn?1246874546
Hi Guys, syill checking in on the thread.
Wow Hope, that is brilliant news with the 7.7!!...I'm really happy for you.
and Jane, that is a huge drop for you, down to 22!
I'm hoping and praying for all of you to one day reach your goal of being a mum.
Sarah
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Hope!
Wow that is fantastic! My FSH just came back and it has dropped to 22...which has made my RE so much more positive but it is still high. But yours is a fantastic result! That is normal. Maybe your first reading was false..That seems a massive swing from 80 something to 77.
Good luck with the injectibles..

I am seeing my RE tomorrow and will know what we are going to to do then......
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Jane,  I'll be praying for you this week.  I completely understand the feeling about donor eggs.  I have to admit I feel the same way.  I wish you all the very best and let us know how it goes.

My blood tests came back and my day 3 FSH was 7.7- Could FSH levels fluctuate so much?  and my RE has me on injectibles again this month with close monitoring.  I am so tired of this emotional roller coaster that I am now focusing on eating healthy, getting regular exercise and avoiding stressing too much.  Just trying to give my body the best chance possible.

Take care ladies and lots of baby dust and best wishes to all.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am finding this so hard to keep positive when RE's keep putting my chances at 5%. I just can't believe I have gone from getting pregnant first real try  5 moths ago to being told my chances are now almost nil unless I do donor egg..and my partner does not want donor egg - i can understand i don't want his brothers baby either!...I have a sister but she is 39 and has inexplained fertility..although all the tests are normal...she has offered but time is running out.

Hope that is really tough the costs...is that just for one cycle?

Hope I will be going for my new blood tests at the end of the week although I won't know until Wednesday next week excrutiating. I hope yours come out better...

It is scary ...I find it amazing that I am quite happy to blow $3000 - 5000 on what may be an almost 'nil chance' still I do want no regrets..


Positive thoughts to everyone...
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Fertility and Trying to Conceive Community

Top Trying to Conceive Answerers
5875562 tn?1410898886
miami, FL
4769306 tn?1568490209
NC
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Many couples are turning to acupuncture to treat infertility. But does it work? We take a closer look.
Does exercise really lower fertility? We take a look at 8 common myths about fertility.
Your guide to safely exercising throughout your 40 weeks.
Learn which foods aren't safe to eat when you're eating for two.
Is your biological clock sounding the alarm? Dr. Elaine Brown explains new advances in egg freezing.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.