IVF with very high FSH?

Hey anyos- No I'm not on the DHEA but I had thought of starting a homeopathic version, I think the same one Tigga was on before she was prescribed it. I have located it and it is cheap which is great- approx $15 a bottle!
I also have the high fsh website in my favourites! Have you seen the high fsh boards- they're in the US I believe but are also a wealth of info.
I'll come back and post the link when I'm not so rushed if you would like to have a look. The ladies on there are really full of knowledge.
Actually the high fsh info may have a link on their site for the high fsh boards- I remember seeing it there when I was looking at it myself.

Hi Dutchie. I was on Pretorius Homeopathic DHEA before I got the real stuff. Talk to your FS or FN before taking it. FN said it was safe for me to do the Homeopathic one because of my advanced age. At your age you are in the peak of your natural DHEA production, so maybe just check to be sure. Anyway, you may soon need a pregnancy support vitamin rather than DHEA...:pray:

anyos - Thanks for the links! If I come across any I'll post them too!

Thanks for that Tigga, and yes, that's the brand I come across too, I'll be sure to check with FS before starting.

Here's the link to the high fsh boards in the US that I have found helpful, I'm sure there's a link on the high fsh info website but just incase...

New High FSH Support Forum

Dutchie...I was just checking in to see if you'd posted your BFP miracle news yet. :pray:

Hey Tigga, Nah not yet, AF due on the 4-5th Oct, I'm sure it's just very wishful thinking but I still hope all the same! Still having all the symptoms- sore BBs, cramps and peeing a lot so we'll see...

Dutchie, sore bb's tick! Cramps tick! Peeing tick!!!! All looking good :pray: Hope its good news next week :)

Tigga how are you going sweetie?

AFM sore bb's & nausea but not feeling as I have in the past, will wait and see - BT this saturday.

anyos- you're a sweety but to be honest, the reason I'm not sure if this month is the one is because the day I Oed, my lining was only a mere 4mm which is not thick enough for an embryo to implant. Perhaps if it took a couple of days for the embie to actually reach the uterus maybe...
And how about your symptoms, they are looking good. I still have fingers crossed for you. BOL for Sat, will you POAS, I might if AF isn't here by the 4-5th Oct.

Oh Dutchies, didn't know you are in TWW as well hun...so sorry. I was so wrapped up in my own dramas...:p well, keep your chin up hun and I hope you will be pleasantly surprised.

Dutchie it takes a fertilised egg up to 7 days to reach the uterus so you're definitely looking good!!! Is your FS monitoring you through this cycle anyway?

Probably not going to POAS (well I say that now!), AF is due Monday but I'm having the bt @ SIVF on Saturday morning.

Thanks anyos and CPie
CPie, think nothing of it, I understand you have other stuff to think about...like those 2 lil' embies, hopefully they're snuggling in nice and tight as I type. I have everything tightly crossed that this is your month hun.

anyos- No my clinic are not monitoring me, I suspect they think I have buckleys chance and anyway, I haven't told them that we gave it a try on our own, I'd rather just ring up and tell them when I'm up the duff :lol:

hey girls,

started spotting yesterday, no luck this month :( Went into the clinic this morning and had a bt just to confirm, interestingly my FSH is 3.7!!!!!! I wonder if its the wheatgrass? Will be testing it again tomorrow or Monday just to see if it stays low.

Dutchie, how are you going? Have you POAS yet? Am :pray: for you xxxx

Really sad to hear your BT was -ve, I'm so bummed for you.
3.7 fsh bloody hell girl that's excellent, I could only dream of a number like that! I'm back on the wheatgrass now and I will definitely be keeping it up. I believe it does lower fsh, I had a 6.8 reading back in May (which was one of my lowest) and that was when I was on the wheatgrass so possible coincidence but I don't believe so.

Haven't POAS yet, I have one sitting round, perhaps on the weekend if AF doesn't arrive.

I'm out too, AF arrived last night damn biatch!

Dutchie and Anyos - :doh: I'm bummed! A natural BFP would be ace - but then, maybe we're all just meant to have twins through IVF :dance:

Anyos your FSH is, ummmm remarkable to say the least :clap:! You've motivated me. I've gotten back onto the Wheatgrass - I too had one of my lowest readings of 6 (I think) on it.

I'll be cycling as soon as AF arrives - due next week 16th.

Hope you are both well.

bugger! Am so sorry Dutchie, I was hoping you'd have good news this month. How are you going? Whats the plan for this cycle?

Tigga, hope you're well. I'm praying for natural twins for us all.....! :pray: this cycle will be the one for you. Lets hope wheatgrass drops that fsh right down xxx

AFM thought I'd be quite upset but have managed to stay surprisingly calm, hoping its lasts. Not doing much this cycle, have started to see Jane Lyttleton from the acupuncture IVF support clinic ~ Questions and answers on acupuncture ivf and am now on chinese herbs as well. The plan atm is to go on an intensive herbs/accupuncture program and try naturally. Haven't decided whether we'll do another round of ivf or not, will talk to my FS when she returns from fertility conf in US.

Hey Tigga and anyos
Yes very bummed about this cycle but what can you do. We'll give it another try this month naturally as I'm not cycling, I'm going to see a new FS on Monday so we'll see if she has any new ideas for me. Plan is to do one last cycle (antagonist with clomid only) when next AF arrives due around the 30th. Then we will go in Dec and try and have DPs pipes fixed, really looking forward to that. That's the plan for now.

anyos- I hope the herbs can achieve some results for you. Fingers crossed.

Tigga- could possibly be cycling round the same time although I'll be a little later starting. But I'll be following your progress and cheering you on.

Good luck with the FS today Dutchie, hope she has some good ideas for you!

Tigga, how areyou going? What protocol are you following this cycle?

Hi i'm not sure if you can help me i am at a loss and feel so really low right now i was supose to start my 1st cycle of PGD IVF today but my blood test result's were not good the nurse said my estrogen level was over 300 and it should be 100-150 on day 2 of your cycle my work up test's were all good heap's of follie's and normal hormone's in july and now this so i have to have a repeat test tomorrow and if it is a bit lower they will put me on the pill and start me next month or if it's higher i have to wait until next AF then go on the pill maybe start in dec i was hoping to get 2 cycle's in before the government cans the ivf rebate but now we have no chance i don't understand how this can happen i have 28 day cycle's i was pregnant 6mth's ago with my beautiful daughter we had to end the pregnancy due to a genetic condition i don't know how much more heartbreak i can take is a high estrogen level and a high FSH the same thing?

OK just got the day 3 result's FSH is 8 and progeterone is low and estrogen is high

Ferrals4 I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter and the results. Your FSH doesn't seem very high, 8 is great. I'm not really sure about E & P levels but hopefully they'll be a little lower today. I know how hard it can all be and am hoping that you get better news soon. :hug:

Anyos-thank's i spoke to my FS and she said my day 2 fsh was 9.6 and day 3 was 8 she said my high estrogen was pushing down the fsh so she will go with the 9.6 but in saying that she said that is normal and she is happy with that result it is the high estrogen that is the problem it mean's i have a lead follicle way to early when i still have AF that mean's i ovulate early which is fine for ttc the natural way but in ivf it will stop the fertility drug's working to make the other follicle's catch up and in pgd ivf we need as many egg's as possible so i have to wait until next AF and do BT again i am taking vitex liquid this month to help regulate hormone's and i will try to eat food's that eliminate estrogen from the body.

Glad to hear that you have a plan forward ferrals4

AFM- As mentioned in other thread, FS appt on monday has been pushed back because she was in theatre Monday. We are trying naturally again this month so we'll see.

Hi Ladies. I'm still around - just not much to post about.

Ferrals4 - Yes, high est can mask a high FSH - but your FS is spot on - all it means is IVF drugs won't work (although I'm more of the belief, that they might work but not as well). I can see for you with PGD - it's tougher still. Non-the-less a cancelled cycle once you've worked up to it, is just the pits. I once went in for my Day 2 Baselines all revved up to start IVF and had a 1000 est level, it scared the living b-geezus out of me but a scan showed a follie at 18mm and good lining - I was sent for IUI next day - that so far has been the weirdest thing that has happened to me - it was like my ovulation had been suspended even though I had had a bleed - our bodies can do the strangest of things - which on the positive side means anything is possible. :pray: My FN said something to me about being able to claim a cycle in this year - as long as you've picked up the drugs? It might be a way to squeeze a cycle in the new year using the current medicare rebates?? Worth asking about.

AFM, AF is around the corner, so no natural miracle this month :shakehead: - I imagine all going well I will be jabbing by early next week. Anyos, I'm doing an antagonist (no BCP - it supresses me too much). 450 Puregon. Will be picking up my cycle plan hopefully today so will let you know. I've been on DHEA for 3 weeks now - but am not expecting any benefit of from it to assist this cycle.

Dutchie - good luck with the au la natureal! At least it's more fun that IVF!!

Happy Friday everyone!

Hi Ladies...

Apologies for being completely MIA. After my posting about EPP which was shortly after my 3rd m/c, I had an appointment with my FS and discussed EPP and other next steps for me. The conversation on the heels of my m/c was so depressing and had me in a complete funk for a while that I had to stop all online stuff related to fertility as anything related to TTC caused me to cry - didn't matter where I was - at work, at home, on the train seeing prams, etc...I just needed a break. It was just too much for me. FS wasn't positive AT ALL about EPP - and explained why - can't remember now, but it did make sense. FS also said she'd give me a 4% max chance of conceiving (with IVF) - I needed to hear the truth but it still threw me for a loop as that's very, very low odds.

I did a cycle last month (lower dose), after AF returned, and it ended up being my worst cycle ever - only had 1 follie growing so it was canceled. We tried naturally after cancellation and it's a BFN - still waiting for AF which is due in 3 days but my ultra sensitive HPTs are all very negative (and I know from the past that I usually register pretty quickly). Our plan is do 1 or 2 more ivf cycles - taking this next one off ...whatever can be fit in before the clinics close for Xmas. Cycle will be Antagonist with 450 plus clomid (I've done 2 or 3 of these in the past). After that (and I am only going through the cycles at DH's request - I am not at all hopeful myself), we are going to consider other options - from donors to deciding that it is the end of the road for us.

So, that's it for me...I've tried to catch-up on all of you...for what it's worth, I'm also taking DHEA but this isn't a new addition for me and although it seems to help some, it hasn't helped me produce more or better eggs...but I'm still taking it.

Baby dust to you all!!!!!

I hope you all are doing well...not sure how much I'll be posting.

Hi girl's sorry to hear there is not much positive new's at the moment can i ask what is DHEA?

Hi Buliej - it's good to hear from you but I'm sorry to hear of the tough time you've been having. I'll be thinking of you and :pray: for success for you - for all of us. Hang in there! Out of interest how long have you been on DHEA and what dose?

Ferrals - DHEA is a hormone that our bodies produce naturally but that depletes as we age. The theory is that by supplementing levels back to what they would've been when you're 27 or so, then it could improve egg numbers and quality. There's not heaps of research on it - but I'm giving it a shot (I'm on 75mg/day - taken as 3x25mg). Usually takes up to 4-5 months to get maximum benefit - for me that won't be until Jan, Feb 2010. Geez!!

AFM, I had my baselines today:
FSH 10.7
LH 11
Est 70
Pg 3.1

I always wish my FSH was lower - but am happy it's low enough for me to start. Jabbing with 450 Puregon, starts tomorrow. :pray:

I'll post updates as I go.

I'm a little confused sorry! but my FS told me that my FSH of 9.6 was good and they were happy with that and everything i read say's anything under 10 is normal so why are some of you disapointed with some of your level's even though they are under 10 and i was wondering because my estrogen was 360 on day 3 and my FSH was 8 doe's that mean that if my estrogen goe's down my FSH will go up i was told my fertility is good i fell pregnant in november last year after 20 week's of trying and we have been safe since losing abbi and now i'm worried that the 7 month's that have past since we lost her my fertility has taken a nose dive and i could have been trying naturally insted of waiting for all the genetic testing and waiting for our probe to be developed i am worried we have left it to late i will be 36 in April i don't know if i should keep holding off until my level's are right or just try now we won't be able to afford IVF after december due to the rebate change's this is a nightmare.

i'm fairly rushed at the moment - but want to respond...

Tigga - I'm on the exact same dose as you. I've been on it for a while - but NEVER the full 90 days (3 months) prior to pick-up - I haven't had the patience to give it its full chance - maybe a mistake as your info is correct, it takes quite a while for it to kick in - at least 90 days. Also, my FS has me stop it on CD1 when I'm doing IVF - I think this is a mistake. DHEA leaves your body very quickly and I think it should be taken up to egg retrieval which is what I'm going to do this time regardless of FS' instructions. In fact, someone in Sydney was told to take it until pick-up for this reason...I read this in bellybelly a while ago.

Ferrals - FSH isn't the be all & end all. I have never had an FSH reading above 9.6 but my egg quality and my response is considered very poor. My FS basically told me that she disregards FSH levels after she has the history of a couple of cycles - as ones response to the meds etc. is much more informative than FSH. Also, many FS will tell you that you are only as good as your WORST FSH level. FSH levels fluctuate as you get older and you need to disregard the ones that are "better" than the higher levels. This aren't black & white rules - there are many opinions out there - but I've done a lot of research and I basically buy into this more negative view of FSH levels. Also, assuming you fit into the average female population, your fertility at 36 would not change that dramatically within a year - it's the change from say 36 to 38 to 40 that is significant.

I have to run - but it is very nice to be back in touch with you all...

buliej - Thanks for the reply. I know what you mean, I too wouldn't have the patience if I had to stop. However, I won't be stopping the DHEA while I'm cycling - I'll continue with it during. My FS hasn't said I should stop it and there's been other examples of Poor Responders who have been taking DHEA all while cycling all the way to BFP's.

ferrals - Sorry, if the info in my post got you worried - but seriously, there's nothing for you to worry about. Everything buliej said is spot on. You can't read too much into FSH levels - how you'll respond to the IVF drugs etc will remain a unknown until you actually do a cycle. Also, levels bounce around alot - last cycle by est was high too, this time it's lower. You will be totally fine. Yeah, the rebate cutting out after 2009 really is unfair - it's unfair that it places extra pressure on us. Ah, well - hopefully we all get our BFP's before then and it won't be something we need to think about.

buliej - I too suspect dud eggs for me - I'm basing this on my highest FSH reading (44!), and outcomes of my BFP's to date, ie: blighted ovum, chem preg and m/c. However, testing after last m/c showed up no chromasonal abnormalities - which I in some way found frustrating b/c had something showed up I mentally would've be able to switch to donor path and given up on my own eggs. I hope you don't mind my question asking but why do you think it's your eggs? Have you ever had chromasonal testing after m/c?

I've had all 3 m/c tested for abnormalities - 2 of them had chromosomal abnormalities (different ones). With my 2nd where I m/c most of the tissue prior to the D&C (to get the little bit that didn't seem to want to leave), I collected what I could so that they could test. There wasn't fetal tissue to test from the 3rd - I don't know if this makes it a blighted ovum. My husband and I have also been karotyped so we know these abnormalities are not inherited but spontaneous and most likely age-related.

Thanks so much for the reply. We have also been karotyped and given the all clear. It's just so hard to know what to do isn't it? I think I'll start to pursue donor option. My sister is only slightly younger, but has already had her kids. She wants to donate - FS would like her to be younger, but will approve her as donor. I still waiver between being ok with it and not being ok with it and wanting to continue with my own eggs...oh, if only someone could give us all a conclusive answer as to what we should do...

I know all too well how you feel. I am trying to gather as much information as possible. I do wish that someone would tell me what is right for me and my DH. My sister is too old - she too has her children and has offered her eggs but she's over 40 (and in America). I really do not have any confidence in my own eggs at this point and I think our choice will be not to have children or use a donor - realistically I think this is it.

If I had more time at the moment, I'd write more - but work is extremely busy at the moment.

Hi ladie's thank's for all the info it has helped i am concentrating on getting my estrogen level's down while we wait i am back on liquid vitex to balance my hormones and promote ovulation and it is supose to help lower fsh i am on organic meat,milk,cheese,vegie's,fruit ect and am trying to avoid food that contains natural estrogen so we will see if it help's if not we get one more shot in dec then we throw in the towel and we will have to TTC the natural way and hope and pray the baby will be uneffected with SLO it would be nice to get one cycle and try the pgd ivf i hope i get to that stage but the way i'm feeling right now i wonder if i will even be able to fall pregnant again how do you go through this over and over it is soooooooooooooo stressfull anyway goodluck tigga and buliej i hope you get your much wanted BFP's.

One more question in July i had an u/s at cycle day 7 to check my follicle's i had 14 good size follies is that a good number?

Ferrals - I'm assuming you had an 'antral follicle count' done at that scan...if so, 14 is a great number!! A really great number - you've got nothing to worry about there. Don't lose hope...you WILL fall pregnant again...I hope you get your December PGD IVF miracle!

Buliej - I'm hearing you. Every now and then I feel ok at the thought of a child-free life, but I just can't quiet accept it just yet. But, if that's what it ends up being after I'm done with all this - I will accept it and DH & I will have a fantastic life non-the-less...yes, different, but still great! (Ooooooh! There'll be some even more spoilt nieces and nephews :)

ferrals4- As Tigga has said yes 14 is a fantastic # esp as they were all good sizes. Last cycle I did, I had 13 but once again they all varied in size...greatly and that's not so flash :shakehead: so I would be very encouraged by your last response. I hope all the effort you are putting in pays off for you and you get a BFP soon.

Tigga- when is your first stim scan hun?

Thank's girls you have given me hope.

anyos- ((hugs)) hun and thinking of you today during what must be an emotionally very hard day.

Hi Dutchie, I had first scan and BT today - Stim Day 6 (I can o early so they get me in earlier). BT all good and scan showed 4 follies (2 on each ovary) at 10-12mm. I start Orgalutran tomorrow and back for BT & Scan on Monday. 4 is a cancelled cycle for some, but 4 is good for me.

Buliej - My FS today changed his mind about me taking DHEA all the way through cycle and wants me to stop DHEA when I go for pick up. I told him that from what I'd read it's better to keep taking through cycle. He was adamant that he felt I should stop at pick up to prevent the "potential androgenising of a female fetus" - he said DHEA is a male hormone and too much of it in the early stages of female fetus developed can be detrimental. I hadn't heard that before, but have decided to go with his advice until I have other conclusive research. I'd read of someone else who has been on it not stop for 4.5mths while cycling and only just stopped at 7 weeks after BFP. I suppose it's all new and experimental still.

hi to anyos & ferrals.

Tigga - your FS is right. What I was trying to say is that my FS had me stop on Cycle Day 1 (first day of AF) and I think that I should have taken it until day of pick-up. I've done a lot of reading on DHEA and have read findings consistent with your FS' opinion.

I'm a bit concerned because AF is 4 days late for me - and I have POAS and am so not pregnant. It's just not making sense.

Afternoon ladies.

Tigga-good to hear your cycle is going great i am following your progress to see how it turns out i have my fingers crossed for you.

Buliej-The best thing to bring on AF is plan a raunchy night with hubby AF always shows up when we have the night off together and no kids.

AFM-I did my OPK early today and it was still neg so i went to see my acupuncturist(spelling) and went over possible reasons for my high estrogen and not feeling myself ovulate last month which has never happened before anyway she did some extra things to me to help destress and gave me extra needles to bring on ovulation by the time i got home this arvo after picking up the kids i have have slight period type cramps so i went and done 2 more OPKs and got a real strong positive line on both so thank god my body is working right on que so much for the FS saying i will ov early i am on day 13 so i should ov tomorrow what a shame we have to avoid getting pregnant until this next BT but i am happy that i am back on vitex and my body seems to be doing what it is supose to do God i hope i get to start next month i am prepared to get the bad news as this whole thing has been bad news from the begining i told DH if we cant start next month that is it for me i wont go the ivf way we will do it the natural way i just cant handle that we cant do anything because of my hormones when all this time wasted (6months) we could have been pregnant by now if i had any idea that this could happen or cycles could be cancelled i would have still tried naturally as i am 36 in 5 months the clock is ticking so FRUSTRATING!!!!!.