IVF Cycle Cancel - Poor Response to Bravelle

[1sunnyday]

I have a low ovarian reserve but still have regular periods (23 to 24 days) and FSH was 14 - I am 45 years old.
Had one IUI cycle (100 of Clomid) and responded well (follicles grew though slowly and E2 got up to 693 but it didn't take. We pursued IVF beginning Jan 5 but my follicles were only 7x7 and 6x7 (R/L) and my E2 only 9.9 so the cycle was cancelled on day 10.
I was taking Menopur (2 vials) and Bravelle (6 vials) for 2 days, Menopur (2 vials) & Bravelle (8 vials) next 2 days; Bravelle only (10 vials) for next 3 days & Bravelle (10 vials) + HCG (100 units) for next 3 days.

Any thoughts why I reacted well to Clomid but no response to IVF meds?  Initially they had me doing all 10 vials in one 1 cc shot but switched to two 1 cc shots last three days.
I notice most go on Lupron but I wasn't.  Thoughts?

Meeting with FS soon to go over next steps but little information thus far.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would advise you of two rather unorthodox thoughts. The first is that many IVF clinics are starting to use DHEA to help women with low ovarian reserve.  It seems to increase both the number of follicles and the number of normal ones.

Secondly, some clincs are using what is called "natural IVF" cycles in which the woman's own high FSH level is used to stimulate the follicles.  These cycles tend to take a longer time, and most women have to go through more than one to get enough viable embryos to make transfer worth while.
Those are some things that are being used by clinics and your doctor may not think they are appropriate.  Just some thoughts.
Good luck!
Dr B

[1sunnyday]

When you say using my own high FSH level to stimulate the follicles, what do you mean?  Can you tell me more about how that would work?
Thank-you!